A Family, School, or General Case Manager coordinates the delivery of a range of social and health services to individuals and families. Assess client needs and work with agencies and institutions ensure clients get the help they need. Monitor client and work with other service providers as necessary to address client needs. Provide limited counseling to client and their family.
: Founded in 1968, MLRI provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. MLRI furthers its mission through impact litigation, policy advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and public information. In addition, MLRI serves as the poverty law support center for the Massachusetts civil legal aid delivery system and advocacy community. Our advocates provide expertise and support to local legal aid programs; social service, health care and human service providers; and community organizations that serve low-income people throughout the state. MLRI is one of the nation's premier statewide poverty law and policy centers. For more than 50 years, it has been responsible for groundbreaking litigation, policies, and innovative strategies that have advanced the rights of low-income people in Massachusetts. The Family & Child Wellbeing and Strategic Initiatives Advocate will work with the Family & Child Wellbeing Attorney to advance MLRI's child welfare advocacy priorities and provide special project support to the Executive Office. This position must be able to execute on multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate with both the Family & Child Wellbeing area (about 60% of workload) and the Executive Office (about 40% of workload) on high-level projects. This position will report to the COO/CFO. The position can be done remotely, but with the expectation of quarterly visits to the MLRI office to foster professional relationships and enhance collaboration with colleagues.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
: Work with the Family & Child Wellbeing Attorney to advance MLRI's child welfare advocacy priorities and strengthen legal services for children and families. Work may include systemic advocacy, policy and practice analysis, research and writing, training and technical assistance, data review and advocacy, and coordination with legal services programs and other partners.
Potential activities include:
Contribute to the development and execution of state and federal child welfare advocacy strategies, including identifying emerging legislative, policy, regulatory, and practice issues and coordinating advocacy with legal services and community partners. Advance systemic advocacy and provide technical assistance on DCF policy and practice issues, including developing trainings, resources, and advocacy strategies to address emerging and ongoing priorities. Support and strengthen prevention and pre-petition advocacy efforts through research, technical assistance, development of resources and best practices, and collaboration with legal services programs and community partners. Conduct research and policy analysis and develop written materials on child welfare law, policy, and practice, including public comments, publications, recommendations, and accessible resources for advocates and families, with content for Massachusetts Legal Services (MLS), MassLegalHelp (MLH), and other platforms. Analyze DCF data, reporting, and other administrative developments and support initiatives to strengthen transparency and accountability, including advocacy for improved data reporting and access to DCF information and Fair Hearing decisions. Support the Executive Office, primarily the Executive Director and COO/CFO, with select special projects. These may include, but are not limited to: Researching and drafting organizational policies and procedures; Developing project timelines, deliverables, and supporting materials for high-level projects; Preparing, reviewing, and editing presentations, documents, financial materials, and other organizational materials; Conducting research and data analysis to support organizational projects and decision-making. Provide project status updates and communicate regularly with key project participants. Support the Family & Child Wellbeing Attorney and the Executive Office by performing other tasks as identified.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
: Minimum of 4 years of experience in legal services or a similar field Experience managing and supporting cross-functional projects in an iterative, fast-paced environment Excellent analytical and strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and solve unstructured problems Strong attention to detail and ability to think critically Strong MS Office skills, particularly in advanced PowerPoint & Excel Excellent oral, written, and communication skills Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills Ability to work in a team and meet performance deadlines in a dynamic environment
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
: The position is full-time for one year. Salary ranges from $65,000 to $80,000. Salary is commensurate with experience level and qualifications. Generous benefits package, including leave, health, vision, dental, and 403(b) plan.
HOW TO APPLY
: Please email a cover letter outlining experience and qualifications, a resume, and a writing sample to humanresources@mlri.org. No phone calls, please.
