Social Services Advocate - PDD Framingham
On-siteFramingham, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Conduct bio-psychosocial interviews and assessments for adult criminal defendants to identify social and clinical issues preceding arrest and resulting from court involvement. Perform needs assessments, develop treatment or service plans, and refer clients to statewide and local service providers while maintaining direct connections to community resources. Collaborate with defense counsel to develop strategies, prepare detailed written advocacy for sentencing and mitigation, and present courtroom testimony describing dispositional alternatives. Advocate for clients within court, carceral, mental health, and social service systems from initial arraignment through resolution and post-conviction proceedings.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a social service field
- one year of related experience
- equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience
- access to insured, reliable and available transportation
- valid MA driver's license
- Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely
- 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
Desired Qualifications
- A Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field
- Knowledge of defense practice, the criminal legal system, and/or corrections is a plus
- Bilingual abilities are a plus
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