Eligible candidates include third-year law students, recent graduates, and experienced attorneys.
Strong commitment to poverty law and social justice is essential.
Experience with diverse communities and strong interpersonal skills are crucial.
Preferred experience in advocating for low-income clients and administrative agency advocacy, including clinical experience.
Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or Vietnamese is advantageous.
Responsibilities
Provide legal assistance in public benefits matters such as TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP, and MassHealth.
Represent clients in emergency situations seeking shelter and benefits under the Emergency Assistance program.
Engage in high-stakes advocacy, including contested administrative hearings.
Handle cases before administrative agencies and in court on appeal.
Conduct community outreach and education efforts.
Benefits
401(k) with employer-paid contribution.
Low-cost health insurance for employees and dependents, covering medical, dental, and vision.
Malpractice insurance and generous paid leave, including 4 weeks vacation and 12 sick days.
Student loan repayment assistance.
Relocation stipend available.
Full Job Description
CWJC seeks a staff attorney to work in its Worcester office. The attorney will provide legal assistance in public benefits matters, including TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP, and MassHealth. The attorney will also represent clients, who are often in emergency situations, seeking shelter and other benefits under the state's Emergency Assistance program and in that role will engage in high-stakes, fast-paced advocacy, including contested administrative hearings. In addition to handling cases before administrative agencies and in court on appeal, the attorney will engage in community outreach and education.
QUALIFICATIONS
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, and an ability to work in a collaborative setting are important.
Experience advocating for low-income clients seeking public benefits and/or other administrative agency advocacy experience, including law school clinical experience, preferred.
Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese and/or Vietnamese a plus.
COMPENSATION:
The starting salary for this position is $73,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience to a maximum of $109,000.
CWJC has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.
CWJC offers a very generous benefits package that includes:
401(k) with employer-paid contribution.
Low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) 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.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit your resume and cover letter online on our website. Alternatively, you can mail your application to Human Resources Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.
