Staff Attorney

Employer Information:

Kids Matter Inc. (KMI) is a non-profit agency in Milwaukee County that serves children and teenagers who are being raised by someone other than their parents. Kids Matter Inc. was founded by foster and kinship families, social workers, and others who saw gaps in services for abused and neglected children and the families who take them in to help them heal. Kids Matter exists to open doors of promise and opportunity for foster and kinship children and their caregivers, and all children impacted by crime. We help children heal and thrive. We do this by putting the needs of children first, building collaborative child-centered systems of support, and holding accountable those who fail to act in the best interests of these children. Programming is free, voluntary, and aimed at reducing child abuse and neglect by creating and increasing protective factors among extended family caregivers, by providing resources and support to prevent children from entering out of home care, and when appropriate, to supplement services by working in collaboration with the child welfare agencies. We also advocate for systemic improvements in child services. We build many community partnerships, and our child-centered work has been recognized by agencies as diverse as the WI Department of Corrections to the Attorney General’s office, from the Public Defender’s office to the District Attorney’s office. Our programs, youth, volunteers and staff have received numerous statewide awards.

Position Description:

The Staff Attorney will provide information, resources, and legal support to help carry out the agency’s mission.  The Staff Attorney will provide direct and systemic representation for Kids Matter clients. This position will be responsible for providing legal counseling related to issues impacting children and families, including but not limited to placement, permanency, legal guardianship, visitation, public benefits, SSI/SSDI, education of foster/kinship youth.  This position may include supervisory duties depending on the strengths and abilities of the applicant.

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience working with families and children; possess excellent communication, cultural competency and interpersonal skills; excellent written, organizational and computer skills; have demonstrated experience teaming with colleagues to find solutions to complex situations; and possess the ability to process information quickly and prioritize multiple tasks. Knowledge of child welfare and family court desired, but not required.  Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and be a member in good standing of the Wisconsin Bar.

Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment. Valid driver license required. Part-time and full-time applicants will be considered.

Kids Matter Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender orientation or expression, disability, or religion/creed.