Staff Attorney, Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids - Springfield

Company: Health Law Advocates
Location: Springfield
Posted on: May 23, 2023

Job Description:

The OpportunityHealth Law Advocates (HLA) is a nonprofit public interest law firm that provides free legal services to Massachusetts residents with low income who face barriers to accessing health care. Learn more about us at .HLA's Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) improves the health and increases the educational success of children with unmet mental health needs. Experienced staff attorneys provide free legal representation to families with low income, advocating for access to mental health services and diverting children from the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Learn more about us at .MHAP for Kids attorneys are embedded in Family Resource Centers (FRCs) around the state. We are seeking a highly qualified, motivated lawyer with knowledge of the juvenile court, mental health, and/or education systems to join the talented MHAP for Kids team as our attorney in Springfield. The attorney will advocate for up to 30 youth at a time across the school, court, and mental health systems, to ensure that their mental health needs are met and their legal rights are protected.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe primary day-to-day responsibility of the position is to provide legal representation for youth with unmet mental health needs.More specific activities include:Meeting with clientsConducting legal research and writingAnalyzing education, medical, court, and other relevant recordsDeveloping and maintaining strong working relationships with staff of the host Family Resource CenterDeveloping and maintaining strong working relationships with state agencies, such as DCF, DMH, DYS, as well as other stakeholders in the juvenile justice and child welfare systemsManaging case filesPromoting MHAP for Kids in the communityParticipating in program evaluationQualificationsAll HLA employees are expected to have the skills to:Work both independently and as an effective team member.Collaborate with and support staff at all levels of our organization.Communicate clearly and professionally.Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity while working directly with clients encountering crisesMaintain confidentiality and, for attorneys, strict adherence to all professional responsibility requirements for the practice of law.Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, openness, and the desire and ability to listen and learn.Understand and believe in the mission of the organization.Embody the values of the organization, including a commitment to decreasing inequity in our health care system and society as a whole.Minimum requirements specific to this position include:Juris Doctor Degree4+ years of relevant work experienceExcellent communication skills, including oral advocacy and writing skillsA strong understanding of the juvenile courtA strong understanding of children's mental health systemsStrong advocacy skillsOther preferred qualifications:Track record of effectively collaborating with government and community-based service agenciesDemonstrated cultural competenceProven ability to handle a substantial caseloadKnowledge of the communities served by the host Family Resource CenterBilingual skills (English and Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole)CompensationThe salary range for this position is $74,000 - $80,000 annually. HLA offers a robust benefits package including comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and a generous paid leave policy.To ApplyOur standard process is for applications to be submitted online at where you will upload a resume and cover letter. If this process is not accessible to you, please contact or .HLA is committed to diversity in its workforce. A crucial part of HLA's vision is supporting cultural and linguistic competence, as well as ensuring diversity of staff and volunteers, so we can best serve our clients. People of color, women, people living with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people who speak English as a second language are strongly encouraged to apply.

Keywords: Health Law Advocates, Springfield , Staff Attorney, Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids - Springfield, Legal , Springfield, Massachusetts