Social Worker - CAFL Worcester

Committee for Public Counsel Services • Worcester, MA

9d

About The Position

The Children and Family Law Division (CAFL) of the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), Massachusetts’s public defender agency, seeks a full-time Social Worker for its Worcester office. The Social Worker works with attorneys representing children and indigent parents in care and protection, child requiring assistance, and termination of parental rights cases. Social workers are integral members of the legal team and collaborate with attorneys and other team members to prepare cases and pursue the best possible outcomes for clients. Social work intervention takes place throughout the court process.

The Worcester Trial Office provides legal representation and advocacy throughout Worcester County in care and protection, child requiring assistance, termination of parental rights, guardianship-of-a-minor, and other custody and adoption proceedings. The office team includes attorneys, paralegals, social workers, and administrative support staff. The office is centrally located in Worcester, within walking distance of Union Station, which provides WRTA bus and MBTA commuter rail service.

CPCS provides counsel when required by the constitution or state law for people who cannot afford an attorney. The agency is committed to protecting clients’ fundamental rights through zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent legal representation. It promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks staff able to work effectively with clients from varied backgrounds and circumstances.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or another related degree and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.
• Experience working with children and families, preferably in an outreach capacity.
• Insured, reliable, and available transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Access to home internet sufficient to work remotely.
• Commitment to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population.
• Commitment to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in the family regulation system.
• Experience related to and knowledge of clinical issues concerning child placement and adoption, substance abuse, domestic violence, and related fields.
• Experience in child welfare.
• Knowledge of social, psychological, medical, economic, and legal factors that influence behavior.
• Skills and experience in interviewing clients, assessing their needs, case management, and service planning.
• Good organizational skills and ability to track and monitor individual client cases.
• Skills and experience interacting with people of varied social, racial, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Knowledge of public and private social services systems and programs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.

Nice To Haves

• Master of Social Work (MSW).
• Massachusetts LCSW or LICSW license.
• Foreign language skills.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and conduct home visits.
• Perform needs assessments, develop service plans, refer clients to service providers, and connect clients directly with programs.
• Develop linkages with local government agencies and service providers.
• Help attorneys prepare for litigation.
• Advocate for clients in a client-directed practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time