06/04/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/04/2025 12:11
With the upcoming retirement of current Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program (ILAP) Director Hugh Grady, the ILAP Board of Directors has shared the following job opportunity.
Job Title: Executive Director, Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program (ILAP)
Location: Des Moines
Reports to: ILAP Board of Directors
FLSA Status: EXEMPT
Employment: Full-time
- The ILAP executive director manages all aspects of the ILAP program subject to the approval of the ILAP Board of Directors.
- Due to the complexity of the community served by ILAP, the executive director must maintain strong professional boundaries, a heightened sense of confidentiality, and have the ability to follow clearly defined policies, procedures, and expectations as set by the ILAP Board of Directors.
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive assistance programs for lawyers, judges, law students, and other legal professionals dealing with mental health, substance use, stress, burnout, and other personal or professional challenges.
- Preparing and submitting the annual budget for approval to the ILAP Board. Oversee budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning for the program.
- Supervise ILAP staff, volunteers, and peer support networks where applicable.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and professional standards.
- Carrying out program operations, including but not limited to: office operations, outreach to affected attorneys and judges, triaging, fielding and staffing requests for assistance for behavioral health and career-related and professional issues, monitoring agreements through OPR, articles and publications, educational outreach and programming on behavioral health issues, monthly and annual reports to ILAP Board of Directors, regular reporting to the Iowa Supreme Court, approval of all marketing and educational publication materials, regular meetings with appropriate stakeholders within the legal community.
- Develop partnerships with mental health professionals, treatment centers, and recovery organizations.
- Participate in national and regional Lawyers Assistance Program networks to share best practices and remain informed about trends.
- At least one of the following: Juris Doctor with active Iowa license in good standing; master's with active Iowa license in mental health, social work, or equivalent in good standing; advanced medical or nursing degree with active Iowa license in good standing.
- Minimum five years of work experience as a professional in legal, clinical, behavioral health, or medical file,d or as a director or program coordinator in a similar program.
- Demonstrated leadership, program management, and strategic planning experience.
- Strong understanding of confidentiality principles and ethical guidelines in assistance programs.
- Exceptional communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
- Sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by legal professionals.
- While not a requirement for application, applicants who are currently in recovery and involved in ongoing recovery programming are preferred.
- Hybrid or in-office, depending on organizational policy.
- Some travel is required for outreach, conferences, and in-person meetings with attorneys, judges, and law firms across Iowa who have reached out.
- Availability for crisis response or urgent consultations may be necessary.
Interested parties should submit their resumes and letters of interest directly to Steve Belay, using the following contact information:
Steve Belay
Staff Attorney
Iowa Center for Children's Justice
501 SW 7th Street, Suite G
Des Moines, IA 50309
Office: 515-414-9562
steve@iaccj.org
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