New Bedford, MA30+ days ago
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 responsibilities (strong organizational skills); Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to handle emergencies; Knowledge of defense practice and the criminal legal system; Ability to supervise master level social workers for LICSW licensure preferred; Strong interpersonal, management, leadership, and supervisory skills; Strong writing and editing abilities; A demonstrated commitment to the development and training of CPCS Social Services Advocates and advancement of holistic practice in the legal defense field; and, Bilingual abilities are a plus. The direct client duties of the Social Services Advocate Supervisor include: Maintaining close contact with clients over the duration of their case to build a strong working relationship; 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; and, Other duties as assigned.