April 9, 2024

Case Manager – Family Preservation Project (Springfield)

Springfield, MA

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income residents of central and western Massachusetts. CLA has over 160 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.

CLA seeks a case manager who will be part of a team in Western Massachusetts designed to help 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 case manager will be a member of CLA’s interdisciplinary advocacy team and will work with a parent advocate and attorney to assist parents in the community. The case manager will be based in CLA’s Springfield office and will (1) conduct clinical intakes to determine points of vulnerability and areas of advocacy, (2) perform intensive case management, including providing clients with hands-on logistical, time-management and organizational skill-building, and follow-up with team members and clients on tasks (3) advocate with DCF and community organizations to advance client’s needs, including supporting clients during DCF home visits as needed, and (4) help facilitate weekly clinical meetings with FPP team members to determine how the team can best support clients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College graduate. MSW or BSW a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated concern for and commitment to the goals of legal aid and to working for low-income people, and ability to relate to and establish productive working relationships with community groups, individuals, and human service agencies.
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge of community resources.
• Ability to multi-task, operate independently and problem-solve in real time.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $51,840, 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; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); and relocation stipend.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply online here. Alternatively, you can submit your cover letter and resume to avaughan@cla-ma.org or mail to Alicia Vaughan, Human Resources Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608.

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.