Director of Disability Advocacy Project (Brooklyn Legal Services) Brooklyn Legal

The Disability Advocacy Project (DAP) assists low-income residents of Brooklyn who seek federal Social Security benefits based on mental and/or physical disabilities.

DAP assists clients with case development, representation at administrative hearings, appeals, and issues that arise after an award of benefits. We also collaborate with other providers and community partners to develop and implement strategies to remove systemic barriers to obtaining disability benefits. DAP works with people with a wide range of disabilities, including home‑bound clients, clients with mental illness and clients with complex treatment schedules. DAP’s highly qualified advocates are experts in assisting clients obtain disability benefits. The Director will work to support existing advocacy efforts as well as be responsible for broadening DAP’s work to address systemic barriers facing people with disabilities.

The Director will be responsible for working with staff to develop and implement a strategic vision for DAP’s work. The Director will also devise creative, high impact advocacy strategies to address systemic barriers facing people with disabilities. The Director will supervise DAP’s attorneys and paralegals on a range of litigation including administrative proceedings, appeals and affirmative litigation in State and Federal Court. The Director will also be responsible for strengthening relationships with community partners and elected officials, addressing systemic disability issues, and handling administrative and grant responsibilities. The Director will be expected to work collaboratively with and provide leadership for LSNYC’s city‑wide disability rights practice. Every supervisor is expected to actively engage in learning and become increasingly skilled in supervision that supports staff and clients of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences and ensure that all are treated with compassion, dignity and respect. The Director’s duties will include actively working to advance LSNYC’s organizational mission.