Staff Attorney, Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids - Fitchburg

Health Law Advocates•Fitchburg, MA

8d•$74,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Opportunity Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a nonprofit public interest law firm that provides free legal services to Massachusetts residents with low income who face barriers to accessing health care. Learn more about us at www.healthlawadvocates.org . HLA's Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) improves the health and increases the educational success of children with unmet mental health needs. Experienced staff attorneys provide free legal representation to families with low income, advocating for access to mental health services and diverting children from the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Learn more about us at www.mhapforkids.org . MHAP for Kids attorneys are embedded in Family Resource Centers (FRCs) around the state. We are seeking a highly qualified, motivated lawyer with knowledge of the juvenile court, mental health, and/or education systems to join the talented MHAP for Kids team as our staff attorney based in Fitchburg. The attorney will advocate for up to 30 youth at a time across the school, court, and mental health systems, to ensure that their mental health needs are met and their legal rights are protected.

Requirements

Juris Doctor Degree and active license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
4+ years of relevant work experience
Excellent communication skills, including oral advocacy and writing skills
A strong understanding of the juvenile court
A strong understanding of children's mental health systems
Strong advocacy skills
Work both independently and as an effective team member.
Collaborate with and support staff at all levels of our organization.
Communicate clearly and professionally.
Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity while working directly with clients encountering crises
Maintain confidentiality and, for attorneys, strict adherence to all professional responsibility requirements for the practice of law.
Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, openness, and the desire and ability to listen and learn.
Understand and believe in the mission of the organization.
Embody the values of the organization, including a commitment to decreasing inequity in our health care system and society as a whole.

Nice To Haves

Track record of effectively collaborating with government and community-based service agencies
Demonstrated cultural competence
Proven ability to handle a substantial caseload
Knowledge of the communities served by the host Family Resource Center
Bilingual skills (English and Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole)

Responsibilities

Meeting with clients
Conducting legal research and writing
Analyzing education, medical, court, and other relevant records
Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with staff of the host Family Resource Center
Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with state agencies, such as DCF, DMH, DYS, as well as other stakeholders in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems
Managing case files
Promoting MHAP for Kids in the community
Participating in program evaluation