April 1, 2024

Legal Aid Staff Attorney – Benefits Unit (Worcester)

Worcester, MA

Central West Justice Center (CWJC) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Legal Aid (CLA). Together, CWJC and CLA have over 160 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices in Central and Western Massachusetts. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.

CWJC seeks a staff attorney to work in its Worcester office. The attorney will provide legal assistance in public benefits matters, including TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP, MassHealth, and Emergency Assistance shelter. In addition to handling cases before administrative agencies and in court on appeal, the attorney will engage in significant community outreach and education.

QUALIFICATIONS: Third year law students, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to poverty law and social justice work. Experience working with diverse communities, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to work in a collaborative setting are important. Experience advocating for low-income clients seeking public benefits and/or other administrative agency advocacy experience, including law school clinical experience, preferred. Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese and/or Vietnamese a plus.

COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $71,500, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CWJC 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; malpractice insurance; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); law school loan repayment assistance; and relocation stipend. CWJC has a hybrid work environment and requires advocates to work in their assigned office at least three days per week.

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.

CWJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. CWJC encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.