Social Services Advocate - PDD Malden

Overview The Public Defender Division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the public defender agency of Massachusetts, is seeking two full‑time Social Services Advocate positions in our Malden Office. As an integral part of the defense team, Social Services Advocates work closely with attorneys, investigators, and other key defense players to obtain the best possible legal and life outcomes for our clients. Our Values C ourage A ccountability R espect E Xcellence Mission Statement CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community‑oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values and maintain a steadfast commitment to ensuring a respectful work climate and promoting the dignity of all staff. Agency Overview CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing an attorney when a person cannot afford to retain one. We represent clients in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as appeals and related post‑conviction proceedings. Office Overview The Public Defender Division Malden Office is located in Middlesex County approximately four miles from downtown Boston, centrally situated in the Malden civic center with highway accessibility and close proximity to MBTA transit. Position Overview The Social Services Advocate works as part of a multidisciplinary legal defense team to provide zealous advocacy to adult criminal defendants to achieve the best possible legal and life outcomes. Working with attorneys, investigators, support staff, retained experts, law students, and interns, the SSA identifies social and clinical issues that precede arrest and those that may result from court involvement, and adheres to confidentiality rules under the attorney‑client relationship. Qualifications Minimum Entrance Requirements Bachelor’s degree in a social service field and one year of related experience, or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience; Insured, reliable transportation and a valid MA driver’s license; Reliable home internet access for remote work. Skills and Experience 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 systemic barriers such as racism and poverty; Culturally appropriate client interviewing, assessment, case management, and treatment planning skills; Knowledge of public and private social services systems and resources; Effective oral and written communication; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Skill in establishing cooperative relationships within the office and with service providers; Ability to prioritize and manage multiple clients and responsibilities; Availability for occasional evenings and weekends; Knowledge of defense practice or the criminal legal system is a plus; Bilingual abilities are a plus. Preferred A master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field. Applicants must submit a writing sample such as a redacted biopsychosocial assessment, advocacy letter, or academic paper. Responsibilities Maintain close contact with clients to build strong working relationships; Conduct brief and in‑depth interviews with cultural humility to obtain client histories and interview collateral contacts; Perform needs assessments, develop treatment or service plans, refer clients to providers, and make direct connections between clients and programs; Gain comprehensive knowledge of statewide and local programming and work collaboratively with community‑based services; Collaborate with defense counsel to develop defense strategies and dispositional options that reflect clients’ whole lives; Prepare and present courtroom testimony describing services and dispositional alternatives; Prepare detailed and persuasive written advocacy for sentencing and mitigation; Advocate for clients to facilitate best possible outcomes; Perform other duties as assigned. EEO Statement The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by federal and state statutes. Applicants who need reasonable accommodations may contact the Chief Human Resources Officer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Abacus Technology Corporation