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Committee for Public Counsel Services · 1 day ago

Director of Social Services Advocacy - Mental Health Litigation Division

US-MA-Boston

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$112K/yr - $165K/yr

5+ years exp

The Committee for Public Counsel Services is the public defender agency of Massachusetts, seeking an experienced social worker for the position of Director of Social Services Advocacy for the Mental Health Litigation Division. The role involves overseeing Social Services Advocates, developing support for private social work vendors, and ensuring effective representation for clients in mental health and guardianship cases.

CommunitiesLaw EnforcementPublic Relations

Responsibilities

Supervising MHLD SSAs, including, but not limited to, developing or refining protocols and standards, evaluating and ensuring high performance, reviewing SSA reports, and providing supervision of SSAs who are pursuing post graduate licensure

Data gathering and reporting to monitor the SSAs’ caseloads and other issues which may have an impact on MHLD’s ability to effectively and zealously represent its clients

Recruiting and hiring MHLD staff SSAs in conjunction with MHLD Attorneys in Charge

Developing and supporting cross-divisional teams to effectively represent clients from a client-centered perspective and assist teams in resolving complex clinical and legal challenges

Recruiting, supporting, and maintaining lists of private behavioral health and social service vendors hired by private and staff attorneys to represent indigent clients

Partnering with the Training Department to identify training needs, develop and implement trainings for SSAs, staff and private attorneys, and other staff as needed

Providing direct social service advocacy to clients; Director is required to maintain a small caseload of clients across offices

Assessing and re-evaluating the role of the SSAs and how their work is being implemented as a member of the legal team

Leading and participating in agency wide working groups to set SSA practice policies and participating in working groups with outside agencies in order to provide better services to clients

Participating in MHLD’s management team in making strategic decisions so MHLD can effectively and zealously represent clients

Working across CPCS divisions to promote collaboration, including on shared initiatives

Other duties as assigned

Qualification

Forensic mental health practiceMassachusetts legal systemSupervisionStaff developmentCase managementClient centered advocacyTraining developmentPresentationPrioritizationIndependenceEffective communicationTeamwork

Required

Be licensed in Massachusetts as an LICSW, LMHC, LRC, Licensed Psychologist, or similar licensure with a minimum of five years of experience working in the justice system, mental health field, or related social service role

Be committed to serving a culturally diverse, low-income population

Be available to support SSA staff including during evenings and weekends as emergencies and needs arise

Have insured, reliable and available transportation, and a valid MA driver's license

Have access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely

Knowledge of forensic mental health practice, defense practice, and the Massachusetts legal system; experience with DOC, DDS, and/or DMH; and knowledge of available clinical and social service resources for those with mental health, traumatic and congenital head injuries, intellectual disabilities, and other neurological impairments

Knowledge of case management, service planning, public and private social services systems and programs, data gathering and reporting strategies and techniques

Demonstrated skill in supervision, coaching, mentoring, and staff development

Demonstrated skills in interviewing clients and assessing their needs, and experience with client centered advocacy

Experience in developing and presenting trainings on social service topics

Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively orally and in writing

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities

Flexibility for statewide travel, as well as work outside of typical business hours (e.g., for emergencies, trainings)

Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently