Legal Aid is hiring a social worker

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (Legal Aid) seeks a Social Worker to join our Community Engagement Practice Group.  This position is responsible for helping Legal Aid clients address barriers to their legal representation (such as mental illness or homelessness), in order to accomplish maximum security and stability in their life.  The social worker will work collaboratively with staff, clients and partner organizations throughout Legal Aid’s 5-county service area on behalf of individuals and families facing eviction, termination of benefits, domestic violence, consumer scams, bankruptcy, employment and education problems, and other civil legal issues.

Essential Functions:

• Provide case management and support for clients, including but not limited to assessments, service plans, and interventions.
• Assist attorneys and clients in legal representation, including but not limited to helping facilitate communication, collecting factual information and documentation, and advocacy.
• Help ensure access to and engagement with Legal Aid services.
• Provide crisis prevention and/or resolution.
• Conduct outreach presentations to client groups and other service providers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other service providers to support effective referrals to and from Legal Aid and those organizations.
• Coordinate professional development for staff related to poverty, vulnerable populations and cultural competency.
• Provide supervision to social work students completing field placements at Legal Aid.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the social work program at Legal Aid.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  Provides guidance to and/or oversight of Master’s level social work students completing field placements at Legal Aid.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or commensurate experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• LSW required, LISW preferred.
• 2+ years experience as social worker in a non-profit environment; familiarity with legal system preferred.
• Experience with low-income clients and knowledge of social services in Legal Aid’s service area.
• Organized, able to prioritize work, plan and problem-solve, meet deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Able to establish effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Spanish language skills preferred.
• Must have valid driver’s license and auto insurance, and be able to travel throughout Legal Aid’s service area.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Normal office environment.
• Travel throughout service area required.
• Occasional client home visits and attendance at community events required.

Success Factors:

• A commitment to the principal of equal justice and to advocacy for low-income persons
• Treat clients, staff and the public with dignity and respect
• Appreciation for diverse cultures and communities
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and independently
• Able to address issues in a timely manner
• Must maintain strict confidence regarding highly sensitive matters
• Collaborate effectively with legal advocates to assist clients
• Able to implement Legal Aid policies and procedures effectively
• Demonstrated independence, initiative and creativity in meeting clients’ needs
• Possesses skills needed to work effectively with vulnerable populations such as those with no income, limited English proficient persons, homeless persons, mental health consumers and others.

Compensation:  Starting salary for this position will be commensurate with the appointee’s background and experience.

To Apply:  Qualified candidates should forward a cover letter and resume to: careers@lasclev.org listing “Social Worker” in the subject line of the email.  Application materials will be accepted until Monday, December 15, 2014.  Only candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted directly.

Legal Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or mental or physical disability.

About Legal Aid:  Legal Aid’s mission is to secure justice and resolve fundamental problems for those who are low income and vulnerable by providing high quality legal services and working for systemic solutions.  Founded in 1905, Legal Aid is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States.  Legal Aid’s 50 staff attorneys and 1,400 volunteer lawyers ensure access to justice for low income people.  For more information please visit www.lasclev.org.