| Job Title: |
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Staff Attorney, Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids |
| Company/Organization: |
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Health Law Advocates |
| Location: |
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New Bedford, MA |
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| Position Description: |
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HLA is a dynamic non-profit, public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal services to low-income Massachusetts residents having difficulty accessing or paying for health care.
HLA’s Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) diverts children with unmet mental health needs from the juvenile justice system and helps them access treatment. MHAP for Kids attorneys are embedded in Family Resource Centers where they help at-risk youth overcome barriers to treatment in school systems, state agencies, and the court system.
HLA seeks to expand MHAP for Kids statewide. We are currently seeking a highly qualified, motivated lawyer with knowledge of the juvenile court, mental health and/or education systems to join the talented MHAP for Kids team as our Staff Attorney serving New Bedford. This attorney, like our attorneys serving in our MHAP for Kids offices in Lowell, Lynn and Boston, will advocate for children across the court, mental health and school systems to ensure that their mental health needs are met and their legal rights are protected. The Staff Attorney will advocate for up to 30 youth at a time. |
| Essential Duties and Responsibilities: |
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The primary day-to-day responsibility of the position is to provide legal representation for youth with unmet mental health needs. More specific activities include:
• Meeting with clients
• Conducting legal research and writing
• Analyzing education, medical and court records
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with staff of the host Family Resource Center operated by the United Way of Greater New Bedford.
• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with state agencies, such as: DCF, DMH, DYS, as well as other stakeholders in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems
• Managing case files
• Promoting MHAP for Kids in the community
• Participating in program evaluation |
| Minimum Qualifications and Skills: |
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Minimum Requirements Include:
• Juris Doctor Degree
• 4+ years of relevant work experience
• Excellent communication skills, including oral advocacy and writing skills
• A strong understanding of the juvenile court
• A strong understanding of children’s mental health systems
• Strong advocacy skillsOther Preferred Qualifications:
• Track record of effectively collaborating with government and community-based service agencies
• Demonstrated cultural competence
• Proven ability to handle a substantial caseload
• Knowledge of the communities served by the New Bedford Family Resource Center
• Bilingual/Trilingual skills (English, Spanish and Portuguese) |
| Application Deadline |
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12/14/2018 |
| Application Requirements |
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| Email |
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jobs@hla-inc.org |
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| Name |
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Sarah Clark |
| Title |
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Manager of Finance and Operations |
| Email |
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sclark@hla-inc.org |
| Address |
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1 Federal St, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
United States
Map It |
| Website |
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https://www.healthlawadvocates.org/about/career-opportunities |
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| Phone |
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(617) 275-2985 |
| Email |
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sclark@hla-inc.org |
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