Description:
Responsibilities:- Represent clients who have been denied emergency shelter or are facing termination of shelter benefits.
- Represent clients in administrative hearings and court appeals in government benefits cases including matters involving the denial of social security/SSI, unemployment, SNAP, cash assistance and MassHealth benefits.
- Conduct targeted outreach to community-based organizations and other groups in the MWLS service area so as to enhance the visibility of available legal services, and to connect with communities that will benefit from the services.
- Engage in systemic legislative and/or administrative advocacy around Emergency Assistance (“EA”) shelter and government benefits issues.
- Actively participate in statewide coalitions specific to shelter and benefits practice areas.
Requirements:
Education:
- Admitted in Massachusetts, eligible for admission in MA under SJC Rule 3.04*, or sitting for the July 2024 bar exam. Bachelor's degree and J.D. required.
Work Experience:
- One (1) to three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney preferred Experience representing low income, immigrant communities, elderly or disabled clients strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment and/or experience working with diverse communities, including experience advocating for clients who may have experienced poverty, trauma, or discrimination.
- Experience representing clients in EA shelter and/or government benefits matters is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, time management and case management skills.
- Commitment to race equity, anti-racism and economic justice in the workplace and in providing legal services.
- Enthusiasm, creativity, good judgment, initiative, and willingness to work independently and collaboratively.
- Fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, or Haitian Creole is desirable but not required.
- Ability to travel throughout the MWLS service area and to occasional statewide events. MWLS has a travel expense reimbursement plan.
- Ability to work from the MWLS office in Framingham at least two (2) days a week as MWLS is currently operating with a hybrid work model. Under this model, MWLS staff are required to work from the MWLS office at least two (2) days a week.
