Staff Attorney

Division: Legal, Office of General Counsel
Salary Level: Starting $65,000
Status: Exempt
Deadline: Until filled
 

The Staff Attorney is responsible for working primarily with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Department of Social Services.  The Staff Attorney takes full responsibility for all cases generated through the Department of Social Services.  The Staff Attorney will collaborate with the Director/Commissioner, the staff of Social Services and the Office of General Counsel in developing and dealing with assigned tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Represents the Department of Social Services in all legal proceedings.
  • Gathers evidence in family court cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal proceedings in necessary courts (Federal/State/Tribal).
  • Conducts research, interviews caseworkers, and witnesses and handles other details in preparation for court work.
  • Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments and testimony in preparation for presentation of cases, will draft all petitions, violations with the Case Workers assistance.
  • Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for the Social Services Department.
  • Participates in training opportunities and travel as necessary.
  • Other duties determined by and at the discretion of the General Counsel be assigned when necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

There are no staff supervisory responsibilities with this position.  There are operational and case management supervisory responsibilities. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

  • A Law Degree from an accredited law school.
  • Admitted to the New York State BAR.
  • Eligible for admission to the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Court Bar Association.
  • Experience with program or operations in the Human Services/Social Services fields.
  • Knowledge of Social Services, Medicaid, Family and Social Security Law.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Will be expected to effectively facilitate others and share knowledge, team participation is required to ensure a productive work environment.
  • Provide training to staff of the Department regarding legal and court mandates and requirements.

REASONING ABILITY:
The Staff Attorney shall have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions along with the ability to present issues to Social Services Caseworkers in such a manner that achieves positive results.  Additionally, the Staff Attorney must be able to conduct legal proceedings, draws up legal documents and practices other phases of law by performing these duties.

Internal: Maintain regular contact with the General Counsel, Commissioner, and Tribal Council to report on special projects progression, maintain assigned objective and standards, discuss issues, and provide/receive information.  Has regular contact with the Social Services Department Head to advise and receive information on assigned cases and special projects.
 

External: Maintains contact and positive communications with internal/external community groups, courts and state and federal agencies with whom the Department of Social Services maintains relationships.

Job Closing Date: February 29, 2012

Submit your resume and cover letter by mail:  Human Resources, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655 or by email:  human.resources@srmt-nsn.gov.

NATIVE PREFERENCE POLICY

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe gives preference to Native Americans who meet the requirements of the posted position. To the extent possible, and consistent with job requirements, employees will be recruited from among the members of the Tribe. Applicants not entitled to Native Preference will receive consideration without discrimination based on age, sex, disability or national origin.

DRUG TESTING POLICY

The successful applicant for employment must submit to and pass a drug test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed. Test results are normally received in three to five days from the date of the test. In the case of a positive result, the candidate is not eligible for employment with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Employment may not begin until this process has been completed.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Some positions require a criminal background check to be used solely for employment related purposes.