Staff Attorney - CHINS-Truancy

In operation for over 30 years, the Truancy Intervention Project Georgia, Inc. (“TIP”) provides early, positive interaction with children in Atlanta and Fulton County Public Schools who are chronically absent from school, and as a result become involved with the Fulton County Juvenile Court or are referred for intervention at the school level. In partnership with volunteer attorneys and other professionals, TIP works to uncover and address the underlying causes of each child’s absenteeism, setting them up for a future of school attendance and overall success. To demonstrate TIP’s applicability in a variety of community settings, TIP also makes its model available statewide through the provision of technical and monetary assistance to “demonstration sites” in range of Georgia counties. 

TIP is seeking a Staff Attorney to join our team. Responsibilities include representing chronically absent and truant youth referred to the Fulton County Juvenile Court; offering technical assistance to partner organizations, TIP “demonstration sites,” schools, and court programs; and advising parents and caregivers on issues of school enrollment, chronic absenteeism, truancy, and school refusal. The Staff Attorney will also spearhead the development and maintenance of an updated clearinghouse on Child in Need of Services (CHINS) programs throughout the state, which will require regular travel in Georgia. J.D. required and previous experience in the education system and/or with non-profit legal services providers strongly preferred. The ideal candidate is a resourceful, innovative thinker with a passion for serving children and families in need. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week). Competitive salary with benefits (details below) and a fun, accommodating work environment.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain clearinghouse of CHINS-truancy programs throughout Georgia, including program implementation, processes, best practices, and successful interventions. Disseminate information on CHINS-truancy procedures throughout Georgia to parents/guardians, non-profit partners, community organizations, schools, and policymakers. 
• Provide technical assistance statewide to courts, schools, and/or volunteer programs.
• Assist parents/guardians and non-profit partners with inquiries on school enrollment, absenteeism, truancy, and school refusal.
• Represent students in Fulton County CHINS-Truancy cases; work with CHINS Unit staff, school staff, probation officers, and community-based service providers to address the needs of allegedly truant students in a holistic, client-centered manner.
• Provide support, advice, and technical assistance to volunteer attorneys representing students in Fulton County cases. 
• Create resources for parents/guardians on school enrollment and registration, parental special education rights, state attendance requirements, and consequences for absenteeism/truancy. 
• Supervise legal externs from Georgia State University College of Law.
• Represent TIP in the legal community, including at various conferences, professional development events, meetings, planning committees, fund-raisers and parties.
• Attend community and law firm events to educate community members and potential volunteers about TIP.
• Assist in development and delivery of trainings for TIP attorney and community volunteers.
• Assist with any other duties necessary to foster the team approach utilized by TIP.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD required; licensed in Georgia or awaiting Georgia Bar Exam results by start date. 
• One to three years legal experience.
• Resourceful, innovative, flexible and adaptable thinker.
• Capable of exercising independent good judgment but unafraid to ask for guidance when needed.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; exceptional abilities in building and maintaining relationships across different spheres.
• Experience working in the education system or advocating for students and families; familiarity with juvenile law or education law; prior experience working for or volunteering with non-profit organizations.
• Excellent communication skills; outstanding writing abilities; superb public speaking and presentation skills.
• Fluency in oral and written English; additional languages preferred, particularly Spanish.
• Demonstrated commitment to children and families, education, communities struggling with poverty and/or other marginalized groups.
• Superior attention to detail; ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Willingness to pitch in where needed and wear an organizational “hat”; flexible; ability to be a team player and work collaboratively with staff and Board members from diverse backgrounds; prior experience in small non-profits or start-up organizations a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Salary range: $55,000-$65,000, depending on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (100% of premiums for employee paid by TIP); 403(b) plan
• Generous vacation and sick leave; paid Fulton County holidays
• Remote work/flexible schedule options
• Close-knit, collegial office

This position is open until filled with an anticipated start date of September 1. To apply, please submit a resume and letter of interest to Sarah Babcock, sbabcock@truancyproject.org. 

We strongly encourage people from historically marginalized groups to apply. It is the policy of TIP to provide equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with our core organizational value of diversity, we seek diversity in our workplace and strongly urge people in all protected groups to apply for employment.