Staff Attorney: Family Preservation Project; Springfield

STAFF ATTORNEY: FAMILY PRESERVATION PROJECT (SPRINGFIELD)
One Monarch Place, Springfield, MA 01144

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Massachusetts. CLA has over 180 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and partnerships with our client communities.

CLA seeks an attorney who will be part of a multi-disciplinary team helping parents who are involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF). The goal of the Family Preservation Project (FPP) is to ensure that families get the help they need addressing issues of concern to DCF so that DCF does not remove the children from their home.

This project aims to keep children safe with their families, minimize the emotional trauma caused by removal, and allow the foster care system to focus its resources on children who truly need its protection.

The attorney will be a member of CLA’s interdisciplinary advocacy team and will work closely with a case manager and parent advocate to assist parents in the community. The attorney will be based in CLA’s Springfield office and will provide legal assistance in a variety of core poverty-law areas, which may include access to benefits programs, family law, and education law.

The attorney will also assist parents with Fair Hearings to appeal DCF findings of neglect and with the DCF grievance process. The attorney will identify and provide legal interventions that will stabilize the family so that DCF closes its case without removing the children. The attorney will perform community outreach and education and provide Know Your Rights trainings to the communities the project serves.

QUALIFICATIONS: Third-year law students, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Prior experience with child welfare law is preferred, as is experience in one or more core poverty-law practice areas. Excellent organizational, communication, writing, and decision-making skills. Ability to work closely with colleagues as a member of a team and committed to serving the needs of a diverse client base.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $73,000, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CLA 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);

loan repayment assistance; and relocation stipend. CLA has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.

CLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. CLA encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.