Social Services Advocate - PDD Lowell

Committee for Public Counsel Services•Lowell, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is seeking applicants for a full-time Social Services Advocate position in their Lowell Office. This role is an integral part of the defense team, working closely with attorneys, investigators, and other defense personnel to achieve the best possible legal and life outcomes for clients. CPCS is dedicated to fighting for equal justice and human dignity by supporting clients in achieving their legal and life goals, zealously advocating for individual rights, and promoting just public policy. The agency provides representation in a variety of legal cases for individuals who cannot afford an attorney, serving a diverse client base. The Lowell office serves a city with a rich industrial history and a diverse population, located 30 minutes north of Boston.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social service field and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience
Must have access to insured, reliable and available transportation, and a valid MA driver’s license
Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely
Experience working with individuals and families of diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds
Knowledge of social, psychological, environmental, economic, legal, and medical factors that influence behavior
Understanding of social structures and institutional barriers that cause disparities, such as systemic racism and poverty
Culturally appropriate skills in client interviewing, assessment, case management, and treatment planning
Knowledge of public and private social services systems and resources
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively orally and in writing
Proven ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the office and the service provider community
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple clients and responsibilities
Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet with clients, bring clients to programs, attend meetings, conduct collateral interviews, and handle emergencies

Nice To Haves

A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field is strongly preferred
Knowledge of defense practice, the criminal legal system, and/or corrections is a plus
Bilingual abilities are a plus

Responsibilities

Maintaining close contact with clients over the duration of their case to build strong working relationships
Conducting both brief and in-depth interviews with clients respecting their individuality and with cultural humility to obtain client histories
Connecting with and interviewing collateral contacts
Performing needs assessments, developing treatment or service plans, referring clients to service providers, and making direct connections between clients and programs
Gaining comprehensive knowledge of statewide and local programming and services, and working collaboratively with community-based services that support clients
Collaborating with defense counsel to develop defense strategies and dispositional options which demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of our clients’ whole lives
Preparing and presenting courtroom testimony to describe services and dispositional alternatives arranged for the client
Preparing detailed and persuasive written advocacy for sentencing and mitigation purposes
Advocating for clients in a client-directed practice to facilitate best possible outcomes
Other duties as assigned