LEGAL AID STAFF ATTORNEY BENEFITS UNIT (CWJC)

Community Legal Aid & Affiliate • Worcester, MA

7d • $7,300 - $109,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

CWJC seeks a Staff Attorney for its Worcester office to provide legal assistance in public benefits matters, including TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP, and MassHealth. The attorney will represent clients—often in emergency situations—seeking shelter and other benefits through the state's Emergency Assistance program. This work involves high-stakes, fast-paced advocacy, including contested administrative hearings. The attorney will handle cases before administrative agencies and in court on appeal, and will also conduct community outreach and education.

The position has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week. The starting salary is $73,000, based on a union scale, and is adjusted upward according to experience, up to a maximum of $109,000.

Requirements

• Third-year law students, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply.
• Demonstrated commitment to poverty law and social justice work.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience advocating for low-income clients seeking public benefits and/or other administrative agency advocacy experience, including law school clinical experience.
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Vietnamese.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal assistance in public benefits matters, including TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP, and MassHealth.
• Represent clients seeking shelter and other benefits under the state's Emergency Assistance program.
• Advocate in high-stakes, fast-paced matters, including contested administrative hearings.
• Handle cases before administrative agencies and in court on appeal.
• Conduct community outreach and education.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer-paid contribution.
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.
• Malpractice insurance.
• Paid leave: 4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays.
• Student loan repayment assistance.
• Relocation stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed