Framingham, Massachusetts21 days ago
Social Services Advocate responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Maintaining close contact with clients over the duration of their case to build strong working relationships; 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. 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 clients and responsibilities; Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to meet with clients, bring clients to programs, attend meetings, conduct collateral interviews, and handle emergencies; Knowledge of defense practice, the criminal legal system, and/or corrections is a plus; and, Bilingual abilities are a plus.