Tag Archive for: SCCLS

Supervising Attorney, Benefits Unit – SCCLS

Please apply here.

The Organization:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role:

SCCLS seeks to hire a Supervising Attorney to lead the advocacy staff of the Benefits Unit. The Benefits Unit provides legal advice and representation to people who need income and related supports from state and federal programs including but not limited to cash assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP or food stamps), unemployment insurance, federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, and Medicaid (MassHealth) and child care benefits. The Benefits Unit works often in collaboration with SCCLS’ Elder Law Unit.

The Supervising Attorney will be primarily responsible for the running of the Benefits Unit and physically located in any of the law offices of SCCLS (Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, or Hyannis). The Supervising Attorney will mentor and supervise staff attorneys and paralegal case handlers, manage intake, develop impact/affirmative litigation and systemic advocacy, coordinate and report on grant projects, and provide legal leadership in working with other staff to prioritize legal issues. The Supervising Attorney will participate in state-wide initiatives related to all government benefits. The Supervising Attorney participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and is responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. In partnership with the organization’s leadership team and management, develop and implement an articulated vision for benefits advocacy that includes high quality direct legal representation and addressing underlying systemic issues;
  2. Maintain a small and strategic caseload in state and federal administrative and court proceedings;
  3. Effectively engage with the organization’s leadership team, advocacy staff, community groups and organizations, and the statewide community to develop and manage strategic initiatives, community needs assessments, and to respond to emerging trends and changing policies affecting benefits issues;
  4. Develop, support, and oversee the systemic advocacy and litigation of the Benefits Unit;
  5. Assist in developing/revising standards of practice and ensure adherence to program and case handling standards, funder requirements and the highest professional standards using regular case review and other supervision standards and practices to develop the skills of the advocacy staff and ensure their professional development;
  6. Ensure advocacy staff is actively engaged with other program advocates, local community groups and organizations, and the statewide advocacy community to identify and address legal issues confronting our diverse and low income communities;
  7. Collaborate and partner with SCCLS’ Elder Law Unit Supervising Attorney to accomplish the above duties and responsibilities; and
  8. Work with the fellow management, Deputy Director and Executive Director to ensure grant compliance where appropriate.

Qualifications:

  1. Admitted in MA or eligible for admission;
  2. At least 5 years of legal practice experience with substantive expertise in benefits law and civil rights issues required;
  3. Experience representing clients seeking federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration preferred
  4. Experience supervising desirable;
  5. Understanding or experience with intersecting systems affecting benefits insecurity desirable;
  6. Significant experience with advocacy in a variety of forums including federal, state, and appellate courts, administrative agencies, and/or legislative bodies;
  7. Strong leadership and mentoring skills and a leadership style that inspires and encourages professional growth in others;
  8. Demonstrated ability to identify and respond to emerging issues and policies affecting low-income clients;
  9. Ability to foster inclusivity, equity and humility when working with clients, colleagues and in supervising staff at the intersection of multiple identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, religion, physical and mental disability, and/or limited English proficiency;
  10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  11. Capacity to facilitate groups and meetings equitably with a framework that embraces equity principles;
  12. Ability to engage effectively in person and remotely with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values, including with staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
  13. Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer) desirable.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting salary for the position will be $86,500 with increases based on experience and is based on a collective bargaining agreement scale enhanced for supervisory role with yearly standard increases, multi-lingual annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Benefits package: health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal and holidays.

Apply:

Submit letter of interest, resume and legal writing sample by email to: LThelin@sccls.org with Subject Line: SCCLS Supervising Attorney Benefits. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Intake Unit Paralegal- SCCLS

The Organization: South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role: SCCLS seeks a full-time paralegal to support the work of its Intake Unit. Under the supervision of the Intake Supervising Attorney, paralegals on the Intake team are the initial point of contact for individuals with critical needs.  The Intake Unit Paralegal will answer hotline calls, interview potential clients, review online applications for assistance, and perform other tasks necessary to the smooth functioning of the Unit. The paralegal will secondarily assist clients with brief advice and assistance, update forms and templates, participate in routine training, and coordinate with SCCLS practice units. The position will start remote, but this may change to hybrid or an office location in the future and is not guaranteed.

Responsibilities Include:

  1. Interview potential clients with empathy while efficiently identifying their legal problems and assessing their eligibility for service.
  2. Follow all relevant regulations, policies, standards, and protocols, including those related to privileged communications.
  3. Maintain appropriate paperwork, including completing intakes, documenting case activity, and case notes in a electronic case management system.
  4. Develop and maintain a working knowledge of community needs and resources, while helping establish meaningful working ties with community groups of and for the poor and helping to connect our services to our clients.
  5. Assist with legal research and writing as assigned.
  6. Assist with data collection and grant reporting.
  7. Understand conflicts of interest and how to behave in ways that comply with the rules.
  8. Help counsel clients regarding their legal rights and options.
  9. Participate in community education events, including making presentations to other groups.
  10. Improve skills and knowledge by regularly reviewing relevant materials and fully engaging in new tasks, and work to adapt to new challenges.
  11. Use any available language skill which they possess to help the mission and our clients.
  12. Work alongside and closely collaborate with other staff from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
  13. Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet SCCLS’ objectives and goals.

Competencies/Qualifications: 

                                                                                                                                                         

  1. Paralegal Certificate/Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
  2. Commitment to working with clients from all backgrounds who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination required.
  3. Client relations or service industry experience preferred.
  4. Prior experience with case management, advocacy, or serving the needs of clients desirable.
  5. Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, with differing opinions and values, including with clients, staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders.
  6. Ability to maintain professional boundaries and client confidentiality.
  7. Empathetic, non-judgmental, and active listening skills.
  8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  9. Willing to learn various substantive areas of the law important to our practice (including, but not limited to, housing, family, immigration, benefits, consumer, and education).
  10. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
  11. Positive, team-oriented mindset.
  12. Goal and detail oriented with ability to prioritize.
  13. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, familiarity with other technology platforms desirable, and comfort learning new systems.
  14. Willingness to become effective and efficient in use of our case management system (Legal Server) required.
  15. Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: Salaries are based on a collective bargaining agreement scale range of $51,200 – $81,800 with yearly standard increases, and an annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Generous benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave includes sick, vacation, personal, and holidays.

Apply: Submit letter of interest and resume by email to: Lissl Thelin at LThelin@sccls.org. Please include the position title in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

 

Experienced Family Law Attorney – SCCLS

The Organization: South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary, the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program. Our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating for low-income individuals and families in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. We prioritize legal services in family law, housing, public benefits, elder law, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters, and serve residents of Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role: SCCLS seeks to hire a staff attorney with experience litigating family law matters in the Probate and Family Court and districts courts of Massachusetts including in divorces, child custody disputes, child support matters and abuse prevention orders. The staff attorneys will provide quality legal representation and counsel for eligible survivors of domestic violence in family law matters as part of a collegial and supportive unit composed of advocates passionate about this work. In addition to maintaining a full caseload, staff attorneys are also expected to engage in community outreach and education, participate in systemic advocacy, collaborate with statewide networks of advocates, engage in continuous education in family law, and participate in other program activities to further organizational goals.

The role will be based at our Hyannis Law Office. SCCLS utilizes a hybrid work model that requires staff to work in-person at their designated office for three days per week, with the remaining time permitted for remote work.

Competencies/Qualifications:

1. Admitted in MA or eligible for admission; prior family law experience or knowledge required; 1+ years of litigation experience strongly preferred;
2. Experience representing vulnerable populations desirable; commitment to working with clients who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination required;
3. Ability to work independently and as a team member; goal and detail oriented with ability to prioritize; ability to be flexible and multi-task;
4. Commitment to maintaining a workplace and providing client services that are free from unlawful discrimination and bias;
5. Ability to engage effectively in person and remotely with people from diverse cultures, diverse opinions and values, including staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
6. Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer) preferred;
7. Strong organizational, time management and case management skills;
8. Strong oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills;
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team;

Compensation and Benefits: Salaries are based on a collective bargaining agreement scale range of $72,500 – $113,000 with yearly standard increases, and an annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Generous benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave includes sick, vacation, personal, and holidays.
Apply: Submit letter of interest and resume by email to: Lissl Thelin at LThelin@sccls.org. Please include the position title in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Consumer Staff Attorney – SCCLS

The Organization: South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role: SCCLS seeks to hire a Consumer Staff Attorney to work within its growing and dynamic Consumer Unit. The Consumer Unit is committed to protecting people with limited financial resources from exploitation, deception, and unfair business practices. The unit strives to select cases that affirmatively advance justice and secure meaningful remedies for consumers harmed by an inequitable marketplace.   The Consumer Unit pursues this mission through a combination of litigation, advocacy, and direct client assistance. Attorneys file affirmative consumer protection actions, including claims under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, represent clients in matters involving foreclosure prevention, and litigate adversary proceedings in bankruptcy court. The unit also operates two Lawyer for the Day programs, providing same-day legal assistance to individuals facing credit card debt collection lawsuits and post-judgment garnishment proceedings.  In addition, the unit provides advice, counsel, and representation on a wide range of consumer matters, including lemon law claims, solar panel fraud, mortgage servicing and foreclosure issues, scams and fraud schemes, utility disputes, debt collection practices, and other consumer protection concerns. SCCLS utilizes a hybrid work model that requires staff to work in-person at their designated office for three days per week, with the remaining time permitted for remote work.

Responsibilities include:

  1. Provide high quality zealous legal representation, counsel and/or referrals;
  2. Participate in, or conduct, community education and outreach;
  3. Participate in team meetings; identify and participate in impact advocacy projects;
  4. Engage in continuous learning in consumer law;
  5. Participate in other program activities to further organizational goals and mission.

Competencies/Qualifications: 

  1. Admitted to MA or eligible for admission in MA;
  2. At least five years of litigation experience, with the demonstrated ability to independently manage a caseload and represent clients in state and/or federal court. Experience should include drafting pleadings and motions, conducting discovery, negotiating settlements, appearing at hearings and trials, and developing litigation strategies.
  3. Experience in consumer law, foreclosure prevention, bankruptcy litigation, debt collection defense is preferred but not required.
  4. Ability to work independently and as a team member; goal and detail oriented with ability to prioritize; possess vision and sense of urgency in addressing client needs;
  5. Demonstrated commitment or experience working with diverse communities, including experience representing clients who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination;
  6. Strong organizational, time management and case management skills;
  7. Strong oral and written communication skills; strong legal research and writing skills; strong interpersonal skills;
  8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team;
  9. Ability to be flexible and adaptable;
  10. Proficiency or ability to learn legal case management systems, Microsoft Office Suite;
  11. Fluency in a language reflecting our client populations preferred (e.g. Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer);

Compensation and Benefits: Salaries are based on a collective bargaining agreement scale range of $72,500 – $113,000 with yearly standard increases, and an annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Generous benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave includes sick, vacation, personal, and holidays.

Apply:  Submit letter of interest and resume by email to: Lissl Thelin at LThelin@sccls.org. Please include the position title in the subject line of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Attorney: Housing Unit- SCCLS

The Organization:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services (SCCLS) seeks to hire a Housing Staff Attorney to work within its robust and dynamic housing unit. The housing unit is committed to ensuring that individuals and families throughout southeast Massachusetts have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. The housing unit furthers this mission through the provision of high-quality direct representation to individuals in summary process (eviction) proceedings, challenges to public and subsidized housing denials, and termination of housing benefits matters. The unit also represents individuals by affirmatively filing legal actions to ensure safe and habitable housing, to remediate discriminatory conduct, and to recover terminated subsidies. In addition to direct representation, the housing unit engages in appellate advocacy, community outreach and education, and staffs the Lawyer for the Day Program in the Southeast Housing Court. This position will be based out of our Hyannis Law Office.

Responsibilities include:

•Provide high quality zealous legal representation, counsel and/or referrals;
•Participate in, or conduct, community education and outreach;
•Participate in team meetings; identify and participate in impact advocacy projects;
•Engage in continuous learning in housing law;
•Participate in other program activities to further organizational goals and mission.
Competencies/Qualifications:
•Admitted in MA, eligible for admission in MA, or sitting for the July 2026 bar exam;
•Demonstrated commitment or experience working with diverse communities, including experience representing clients who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination;
•Strong organizational, time management and case management skills;
•Strong oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills;
•Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team; ability to be flexible and adapt to client situations and changing program conditions;
Proficiency or ability to learn legal case management systems, Microsoft Office Suite;
Fluency in a language reflecting our client populations preferred (e.g. Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer);
Prior housing law experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salaries are based on a collective bargaining agreement scale starting at $72,500 with yearly standard increases, and an annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Generous benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal, and holidays.

Apply:

For full consideration, submit: letter of interest, resume, writing sample and references to LThelin@sccls.org with subject: Housing HYLO Application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Paralegal: Housing Unit- SCCLS

The Organization:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role:

SCCLS is hiring a full-time paralegal to support the work of its Housing Unit. This paralegal will support and promote our work with case work, advocacy, community education, and intakes. This position will be staffed out of our Brockton Law Office.
Duties Include: This paralegal will help to address the most critical problems facing our clients through support and advocacy while directly supporting the work of our Supervising Attorneys for the Housing Unit. They will be expected to work alongside, and in close collaboration with, our staff and other case handlers. Their work will include case handling, investigation, outreach and education, advocacy, and other tasks as needed to support the legal work of the entire organization. Paralegals are often the initial point of contact for individuals with critical and time sensitive legal needs.

Qualifications:

1.Paralegal Certificate/Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; commitment to working clients from all backgrounds who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination required;
2.Prior experience advocating or serving the needs of clients, experience with case management, experience with community education, and experience working as a paralegal (or in a similar role) are all desirable;
3.Knowledge and experience in housing law (or other related issues) desirable;
4.Ability to work independently and as a team member; goal and detail oriented with ability to prioritize;
5.Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values, including with staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
6.Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, and others) strongly preferred;
7.Ability to be flexible and multitask; willingness to become familiar with a variety of substantive law matters; ability to establish hybrid client and colleague relationships with a combination of in-person and remote work;
8.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, social media or graphic design; familiarity with other technology platforms desirable. Willingness to become effective and efficient in use of case management system required.

Compensation and Benefits:

SCCLS offers competitive compensation based on comparable public interest
salaries and commensurate with experience with a salary scale starting at $52,100 a year. Multi-lingual annual increment to base salary may be added for demonstrated language skills (written, oral, or both). Generous benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal, and holidays.

Apply:

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. For full consideration, submit resume, three (3) professional references, and cover letter to: Lissl Thelin at lthelin@sccls.org with subject line: “Housing Paralegal (SCCLS).”

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized
South

Paralegal: Benefits Unit- SCCLS

The Organization:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.

With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role:

SCCLS seeks a full-time paralegal to support the work of its Benefits Unit staff across multiple offices. The paralegal will support and promote the work of SCCLS by being the bridge between our clients, their medical and community providers, and government agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Department of Transitional Assistance, and/or other state or federal agencies. This is a critical role in helping vulnerable people secure Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash, MassHealth, child care and other state and federal benefits. The paralegal will primarily investigate the facts of a case and develop the evidentiary record. The paralegal will secondarily assist clients with brief advice and assistance, such as helping to complete government forms and/or utilize pro se documents. The position will be located in our either our Fall River or Brockton office.

Duties Include:

1.Case Management and Intake: Conduct interviews with clients to gather medical history, work history, functional limitations, and other relevant information.
2.Financial and Medical Evidence Development: Request, track, and organize voluminous financial and/or medical records related to client eligibility for benefits. Review said records and analyze how the records relate to client eligibility.
3.Form preparation: Assist clients in completing various government forms, such as: Social Security Requests for Reconsideration or Waivers of Overpayment; state requests for fair hearings; and applications for benefits.
4.SSA Liaison: Serve as a point of contact for SSA Field Offices and Offices of Hearing Operations for clients and advocates. This includes calling the field office for status updates, submitting appeals, and helping to ensure deadlines are met.
5.ALJ Hearing Support: Assist attorneys in preparing cases for Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearings. This includes summarizing medical records, drafting exhibit lists, and helping clients prepare their testimony.
6.Work alongside, and closely collaborate with staff and other case handlers.
7.Assist with outreach, educational presentations, advocacy, and other tasks as needed to support the legal work of the organization.

Qualifications:

1.Paralegal Certificate/Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; commitment to working clients from all backgrounds who may have experienced poverty, trauma or discrimination required;
2.Prior experience advocating or serving the needs of those clients desirable; experience with case management desirable; experience with community education desirable, and prior experience working as a paralegal or in a similar role desirable;
3.Knowledge and experience in various areas of the law desirable, especially with Social Security Disability, and benefits legal issues;
4.Ability to work independently and as a team member; goal and detail oriented with ability to prioritize;
5.Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values, including with staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
6.Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole) strongly preferred;
7.Ability to be flexible and multitask; willingness to become familiar with a variety of substantive law matters; ability to establish hybrid client and colleague relationships with a combination of in-person and remote work;
8.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, social media or graphic design; familiarity with other technology platforms desirable. Willingness to become effective and efficient in use of case management system required.

Compensation and Benefits:

SCCLS offers competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries and commensurate with experience with a salary scale started at $52,100 a year. Multi-lingual annual increment to base salary may be added for demonstrated language skills (written, oral, or both). Generous benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal, and holidays.
APPLY: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and until the matching of funding to staff positions is complete. For full consideration, submit resume, three (3) professional references, and cover letter to: Lissl Thelin at lthelin@sccls.org with subject line: SCCLS Paralegal – Benefits.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Supervising Attorney: Benefits Unit- SCCLS

The Organization:

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), along with its subsidiary the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts, is a vibrant and growing non-profit legal aid program where our core mission is to fight injustice and poverty by advocating on behalf of low-income individuals and families across Southeastern Massachusetts, the Cape, and Islands in civil matters when their basic needs are at stake. The organization prioritizes legal services in housing, public benefits, elder law, domestic relations, employment, education, immigration, and consumer matters.
With a staff of over 100, SCCLS is the principal provider of civil legal aid in the region. We operate from offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, and Hyannis. Our team provides representation and litigation services to thousands of people each year, while also delivering a wide range of community outreach and educational programs. We seek candidates who are committed to advancing equal access to justice and opportunity through client-centered advocacy. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to delivering impactful legal services to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Role:

SCCLS seeks to hire a Supervising Attorney to develop and lead the advocacy staff of the Benefits Unit. The Benefits Unit provides legal advice and representation to people who need income and related supports from state and federal programs including but not limited to cash assistance, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP or food stamps), unemployment insurance, federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, and Medicaid (MassHealth) and child care benefits. The Supervising Attorney will be primarily responsible for the running of the Benefits Unit and physically located in the Brockton Law Office of SCCLS. The Supervising Attorney will mentor and supervise staff attorneys and paralegal case handlers, manage intake, develop impact/affirmative litigation and systemic advocacy, coordinate and report on grant projects, and provide legal leadership in working with other staff to prioritize legal issues. The Supervising Attorney will participate in state-wide initiatives related to all government benefits. The Supervising Attorney participates in Practice-wide management discussions and decision-making and is responsible for maintaining relationships with other stakeholders in the legal, court, and service communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.In partnership with the organization’s leadership team and management, develop and implement an articulated vision for benefits advocacy that includes high quality direct legal representation and addressing underlying systemic issues;
2.Maintain a small and strategic caseload in state and federal administrative and court proceedings;
3.Effectively engage with the organization’s leadership team, advocacy staff, community groups and organizations, and the statewide community to develop and manage strategic initiatives, community needs assessments, and to respond to emerging trends and changing policies affecting benefits issues;
4.Develop, support, and oversee the systemic advocacy and litigation of the Benefits Unit;
5.Assist in developing/revising standards of practice and ensure adherence to program and case handling standards, funder requirements and the highest professional standards using regular case review and other supervision standards and practices to develop the skills of the advocacy staff and ensure their professional development;
6.Ensure advocacy staff is actively engaged with other program advocates, local community groups and organizations, and the statewide advocacy community to identify and address legal issues confronting our diverse and low income communities;
7.Work with the fellow management, Deputy Director and Executive Director to ensure grant compliance where appropriate.

Qualifications:

1.Admitted in MA or eligible for admission;
2.At least 5 years of legal practice experience with substantive expertise in benefits law and civil rights issues required;
3.Experience representing client seeking federal disability benefits from the Social Security Administration required; experience representing said clients before the Appeals Council and/or Federal District Court preferred;
4.Experience supervising desirable;
5.Understanding or experience with intersecting systems affecting benefits insecurity desirable;
6.Significant experience with advocacy in a variety of forums including federal, state, and appellate courts, administrative agencies, and/or legislative bodies;
7.Strong leadership and mentoring skills and a leadership style that inspires and encourages professional growth in others;
8.Demonstrated ability to identify and respond to emerging issues and policies affecting low-income clients;
9.Ability to foster inclusivity, equity and humility when working with clients, colleagues and in supervising staff at the intersection of multiple identities, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, immigration status, religion, physical and mental disability, and/or limited English proficiency;
10.Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
11.Capacity to facilitate groups and meetings equitably with a framework that embraces equity principles;
12.Ability to engage effectively in person and remotely with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values, including with staff, volunteers, students, community members and funders;
13.Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer) desirable.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting salary for the position will be $86,500 with increases based on experience and is based on a collective bargaining agreement scale enhanced for supervisory role with yearly standard increases, multi-lingual annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Benefits package: health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b), loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal and holidays.

Apply:

Submit letter of interest, resume and legal writing sample by email to: LThelin@sccls.org with Subject Line: SCCLS Supervising Attorney Benefits. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.

Program Coordinator, AmeriCorps Legal Advocates of Massachusetts – SCCLS

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS) is a growing non-profit legal aid program providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income residents of Southeastern MA, Cape Cod, and the Islands. SCCLS and its subsidiary, the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts (JCSM), has a staff of nearly 80 and 4 offices in Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford and Hyannis. SCCLS’ core mission is to achieve justice for eligible clients through community-based advocacy.

 

Since 2005, South Coastal Counties Legal Services (SCCLS) has sponsored AmeriCorps Legal Advocates of Massachusetts (ALA-MA). The mission of ALA-MA is to open doors to justice for clients, invigorate partner sites, and cultivate the next generation of public leaders. ALA-MA accomplishes these goals by embedding 36 national service members each year in organizations around the Commonwealth to provide civil legal assistance to low-income individuals and families.

 

The ALA-MA Program Coordinator is a staff member of SCCLS or its subsidiaries, and reports to the ALA-MA Program Director. Together, the Director and Coordinator work to provide oversight, support, guidance and supervision for all aspects of the program. The position is an excellent opportunity to explore all aspects of nonprofit management. The Program Coordinator has the opportunity to adopt primary responsibility for some activities, depending on their interests and skills.

 

ALA-MA Program Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Program Director with federal grant administration, including contributing to progress reports, developing and recording systems and policies, collecting data, and maintaining records.
  • Support all activities related to recruiting for AmeriCorps service members and partners on a yearly basis, including determining placements, broadcasting the position widely, circulating applications, and pre-enrollment vetting.
  • Create, gather, track and update information related to onboarding, exiting and monitoring the progress of service members throughout the program year.
  • Create, schedule, and staff training and teambuilding events state-wide.
  • Develop training materials for AmeriCorps members and onsite supervisors.
  • Foster and manage relationships with AmeriCorps members, site partners, applicants, and alumni through communications, training, and mentoring.
  • Implement program evaluation activities to ensure ALA-MA is meeting grant outcomes for clients served by the service members.
  • Implement fiscal systems, including purchase orders, to ensure proper administration of the program.
  • Foster the impact and growth of the program’s social media presence.
  • Handle personal data and information discretely.
  • Working with the Program Director, create accommodation plans for members with disabilities and with other needs to support access to the program.
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve as needed.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

The ideal candidate for the ALA-MA Program Coordinator will:

  • possess an interest in and commitment to developing excellent nonprofit management;
  • have strong oral and written communications skills, especially in engaging effectively with people from diverse cultures, with diverse opinions and values;
  • be able to keep multiple tasks organized and still attend to details;
  • be ready to learn new tasks and skills in the context of a fast-paced environment;
  • cultivate a sense of humility and curiosity for the work;
  • have a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, gender justice and economic justice;
  • embrace the mindset of taking concrete action to ensure a culture of learning, inclusivity and equity for each AmeriCorps participant.

 

Experience in fundraising, events planning, human resources, social media engagement, data collection, or delivering trainings will be beneficial and relevant to the position. Alums of AmeriCorps and other national service programs are encouraged to apply.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

SCCLS offers competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $52,000-$57,000 depending on experience. Generous benefits and leave offered. This is a fulltime (35 hours/week) position based in the Brockton office, with occasional weekend and evening commitments. SCCLS currently has a hybrid work model and expects that all staff work in person at the office three days/week.

 

To Apply:

Submit letter of interest, resume and three references by email to the ALA-MA Program Director at asilver@justicema.org with the subject line “Program Coordinator Position.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

 

SCCLS is committed to our ongoing work toward creating a more equitable organization focused on combatting discrimination of every kind. We acknowledge this is a journey, but it is one we are committed to taking. We endeavor to create a workplace and organization that reflects the diversity of those whom we serve and operate inclusively. SCCLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

 

 

Social Worker/ Case Manager, Brockton Office – SCCLS

South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Inc. (SCCLS), is the leading legal services program in Southeastern Massachusetts providing free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income clients with over 100 staff across four locations.   Our core mission is to achieve justice for clients through community based advocacy.  We prioritize legal services in domestic relations, housing, benefits, elder law, employment, education, consumer and immigration issues.  Under new leadership, the organization is undergoing a period of growth and innovation.

 

This position is in our new Brockton office.  This office is located in downtown Brockton, close to our community partners.  It is organized to perform high level legal work based on a holistic, trauma informed model. Staff specialize but also receive training in a broad range of issues.  This model works to advance equity for our clients individually as well as in the systems that touch their lives.  Brockton is one of the most diverse cities in New England, with a rich history and vibrant community as well as a high poverty rate. The office is steps from the commuter rail and enjoys easy access by car from both the Metro Boston area and Southeastern Massachusetts.  This is a hybrid position.

 

Duties Include: This Social Worker/Case Manager will be part of an interdisciplinary team including a parent partner, attorneys, paralegals and support staff in the Brockton office.  It is a key part of the Family Preservation Project, which is a statewide project that works with families involved with the state child welfare agency, the Department of Children and Families (DCF).  The goal of the Family Preservation Project is to ensure families get the help they need to address areas of concern to DCF so DCF does not remove children from the home.  This project works to empower parents to keep children safe with their families and to avoid emotional trauma caused by removal. The Social Worker/Case Manager will do needs assessment and case planning, make referrals for clinical and other services, develop safety plans, support the client and Family Preservation Project team in the DCF case. In addition, this position will play a key role in achieving the office’s vision of providing holistic trauma informed representation by doing intake and assessment for clients of the office to the extent capacity allows.

 

Qualifications:

  1. An ideal candidate will have an bachelor’s in social work or a related field, at least two years experience working with families in vulnerable circumstances, and experience with or willingness to learn about the legal issues affecting our clients
  2. Experience working with clients in crisis including those who have experienced domestic violence and poverty, disabilities, including mental health issues, substance use disorder, discrimination, or being unhoused
  3. Excellent demonstrated clinical skills, ideally in a therapeutic setting, as well as oral and written skills; creativity in meeting the needs of clients and communities
  4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team; demonstrated adaptability and commitment to ongoing professional development and growth
  5. Ability to use personal vehicle to attend home visits and community based meetings, with full reimbursement at the IRS travel rate.
  6. Knowledge of the community and community resources preferred
  7. Commitment to equity in all forms and ability to engage effectively with people from diverse cultures, opinions and values, including staff, volunteers, and community members. Experience working with or connection to communities served by SCCLS Brockton, which include Haitian, Cape Verdean, and Brazilian communities
  8. Fluency in a second language which reflects our client communities (Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Khmer) preferred

 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salaries are based on a collective bargaining agreement scale with yearly standard increases and multi-lingual annual increment for demonstrated language skills. Benefits package includes health and dental with supplemental coverage, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 403(b) and loan forgiveness. Generous paid leave including sick, vacation, personal and holidays.

 

APPLY:  Submit letter of interest and resume by email to:  LThelin@sccls.org with Subject Line: Brockton Social Worker/Case Manager

 

South Coastal Counties Legal Services and its subsidiary are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of age, class, color, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We strive to foster a healthy, inclusive environment where all staff, clients, and community members are valued, empowered and recognized.