Supervisor, Government Benefits, Queens

Legal Services NYC (LSNYC) fights poverty and seeks racial, social and economic justice for low-income New Yorkers. For over 50 years, we have challenged systemic injustices that trap people in poverty and provided legal services that help our clients meet basic needs for housing, income and economic security, family and immigration stability, education, and health care. LSNYC is the largest civil legal services provider in the country; our staff of more than 600 people in neighborhood-based offices and outreach sites across all five boroughs helps hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers annually. We partner with scores of community-based and client-run organizations, elected officials, public agencies, pro bono lawyers, and the courts to maximize our effectiveness. Our work fights discrimination and helps to achieve equity for all low-income New Yorkers.

LSNYC employees have numerous opportunities for growth and professional development, including access to our internal Justice Learning Center, which provides opportunities to earn free CLEs and gain experience as a trainer. 

About QLS

Founded in 1967, QLS seeks equal access to justice for all low-income residents of Queens through a range of legal advocacy, education, and community partnerships. We provide free legal counseling, representation, and referrals in civil matters including housing, public and disability benefits, domestic violence prevention, consumer and homeowner protections, access to education, and employment rights to eligible low-income individuals and families. We are part of a network of local programs that make up Legal Services NYC, the largest free civil legal services provider in the United States. Our staff are members of LSSA/NOLSW UAW Local 2320.

THE POSITION:

Queens Legal Services (QLS) seeks a Supervisor for their newly structured Government Benefits Unit (GB Unit) to join a dynamic leadership team of a community-based legal advocacy center with over 100 advocates and a $12.5 million annual budget. The Supervisor will work closely with the unit Director and Deputy Directors, as well as the QLS staff and management team, and administrative staff throughout Legal Services NYC. The Supervisor’s responsibilities will focus on supervision of advocacy work, training and mentoring staff in the unit, external relations, and special initiatives. The GBU Supervisor will also be expected to represent QLS at public, community and funder events.  Expected leadership roles include: 

• Client Services. Daily oversight of client services, including collaborative supervision and support of QLS Advocates in the GB Unit and Intake staff with the GB Unit Director and Deputies;
• Government and Funder Relations. Support the Unit Director in the coordination and development of funding opportunities, including managing relations with NYC and state elected officials, as well as foundations and donors; and
• Contract Management. Support the Unit Director in the oversight and compliance of contracts and grants that support the work of the GB Unit, including reporting and performance.   

The Supervisor of the GBU will report to the Director of the GB Unit and will work closely with the Director and Deputy Directors. The candidate should be a team player, self-starter, and possess excellent communication, advocacy, and organizational skills. This position does not require a JD. We seek a candidate with:

• Advocacy experience in the areas of government benefits including Public Assistance, HASA, SNAP, Medicaid, SSD, SSI, and/or Unemployment Insurance; as well as Housing Benefit programs such as FHEPS, City FHEPS, and Section 8.
• Experience supervising or mentoring advocates engaged in legal work, including helping with client management, case strategy, and reviewing administrative work.
• A demonstrated passion for social justice, including racial/disability/ LGBTQ+/HIV/gender rights and economic justice;
• Experience working with low-income communities and communities of color to advance equality; and
• Familiarity with Queens communities and communities QLS serves.
• Attorney preferred, but not required.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references below. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

Salary Information   

All employees are strongly encouraged to continue to receive and maintain up-to-date COVID vaccinations unless they are unable to for medical or religious reasons.

Legal Services NYC is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, people over 40, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.