There is an immediate need for a MSW to work as a Legal Advocate for adults with mental illness. The position is temporary and expected to last 6-8 weeks.
This is a 40 hours/week position with hours of 8:30-5:00. The need for some later evenings may be necessary on occasion.
Th Legal Advocate will support clients who are receiving legal representation through a holistic model that addresses legal and psychosocial concerns that create barriers to stability and overall well-being including loss of housing, access to public benefits, consumer issues, disability discrimination, family law matters, municipal court advocacy, and helping clients plan for the future.
Job duties include the following:
- Provide advocacy, information and referral, crisis intervention, case management, and related services to clients living with chronic mental illness in need of civil legal assistance
- Conduct social assessments, including risk assessments, on new clients entering social worker's case load
- Develop case and stabilization goals through assessment tools that support client confidence, self-protection and personal ownership to avoid exploitation
- Motivate and empower clients to meet their desired case plan goals
- Engage in psychoeducational soft skill building to maintain and strengthen relationships with natural supports and community resources and to promote self-sufficiency
- Assist clients with accessing public benefits such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, and SSI/SSDI
- Advocate for clients within the social service delivery system; help clients to understand and exercise their rights within this system
- Conduct frequent training, education and outreach support to community partners to increase referrals and awareness about program services.
- Work collaboratively with co-workers and community partners in other professions, and have excellent communication skills.
- Maintain case files and client records in accordance with agency and funder requirements
Local travel is necessary for meetings and visits. Mileage is reimbursed.
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