Social Worker, Human Services​/ Social Work

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Harvard clinical programs consist of a variety of legal training programs. HLAB provides student representation to individuals in the areas of housing, wage and hour, and family matters (including early defense to families investigated by DCF). LSC provides student representation in the areas of housing, consumer, tax, family law / domestic violence, early defense to families investigated by DCF, LGBTQ+ rights, safety net benefits, and veterans law.

TAP provides student representation to tenants on matters related to subsidized housing. PLAP provides student representation to inmates facing disciplinary hearings and reentry. Defenders provide student representation to individuals who are facing criminal matters at a Magistrate's Hearing.

The social worker is embedded in the HLAB program and participates in all aspects of the HLAB and LSC programs, including training, practice area groups, case management, and provides support to faculty, staff, students, and clients across all components of HLAB and LSC.

Additional responsibilities include brief consultations with TAP, PLAP, and Defenders. These consults focus on the intersection of mental health and legal advocacy, managing client interactions, and client needs and resource development.

This position serves as an agent for the legal teams and is obliged to follow the rules of attorney‑client privilege and confidentiality. The position is also responsible for supervising social worker interns who provide support to student attorneys and their clients.

• Provide direct (one‑to‑one) social work support and advocacy to clients, working within a client‑centered model;
• Strategize with Clinical Instructors about best practices for providing social work support to clients and student attorneys in the context of legal representation;
• Build networks and resources to support our clients when they are represented by our respective programs;
• Manage the social work intern program, including outreach, onboarding, and coordinating with social work schools; provide weekly individual and monthly group supervision to social work student intern(s);
• Provide congruent training and work closely with students participating in HLAB, the LSC clinics and the other student‑practice organizations. Training/educating students on subjects such as crisis management, trauma and secondary trauma, burnout, boundaries, mental health, and client‑centered practice;
• Work with student attorneys to develop their strategies and skills in supporting their clients presently and beyond;
• As needed, attend court appearances and write letters and assessments related to client needs and abilities, and potential recommendations;
• Advocate for clients with other systems, such as DMH, DCF, DDS, VA, community programs, funding programs, and other resources to build improved supports and resourcing for clients and their families;
• Participate in home visits and other community outreach as needed;
• Complete other social work‑related tasks as needed and assigned by the HLAB and LSC Directors.

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience
• LICSW

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse client population, using a client‑centered and trauma‑informed approach;
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus;
• Ability to work within a passionate…