Department: Law Legal Clinic
Salary/Grade: EXS/6
Job Summary:
The Social Worker 1 position is an integral component of the newly created Social Work Advocacy Program (SWAP) at the Bluhm Legal Clinic (BLC). SWAP works with BLC faculty and students to provide holistic representation to its’ clients which includes a wide variety of social work services. The Social Work 1 position will provide Social Work Services to BLC clients that include: (1) Case Management; (2) Advocacy; (3) Therapeutic Services; (4) Student Supervision; and (5) Long Term projects.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $55,128 – $73,911 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Please Note: This role does require some transportation. The role has potential
Specific Responsibilities :
Case Management
• Ensure that client needs are met on a timely basis by identifying services and linkages related to housing, health services, counseling, education, employment, treatment (substance abuse, anger management, etc…)
• Assist clients with re-entry services upon their release from detention or incarceration.
Advocacy
• Prepare thorough client social histories and psychological assessments as a basis for mitigation reports and re-entry plans for legal proceedings.
• Provide advocacy in non-legal proceedings (e.g. child welfare, educational).
• Develop collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, and court related programs.
Therapeutic Services
• Maintain regular contact (calls, letters, and visits) with clients.
• Create action plans with clients that maximize attaining their goals as well as assist in their legal case.
• If qualified, provide emergency based counseling services to clients.
Student Supervision
• Assist in supervising graduate level social work students.
• Develop student-based projects that will advance SWAP’s goals and breadth of work.
Long Term Projects
• Create resource databases including services and programs such as. alternative schools, drug treatment programs, special education/IEP support, housing, employment opportunities for people with criminal records.
• Establish relationships with potential employers and community organizations.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master’s or higher degree in Social Work; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Experience in case management and/or providing direct services to clients, preferably in a legal setting.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
• Self-directed and highly motivated, ability to work independently.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to manage stress, multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment with people of diverse life experiences and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with clients, and to approach work with a style that fosters connection and trust.
Preferred Qualifications:
• LCSW, master’s degree in counseling/social work or similar experience with providing services to underserved populations.
• One to three years’ experience in case management and/or providing direct services to clients, preferably in the criminal or juvenile legal system.
• Experience working with lawyers.
• Knowledge of communities across the Chicagoland area and familiarity with the local social service delivery system.
• Fluent in Spanish.
• Personally impacted by the criminal/juvenile legal system.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more .
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.
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