Education Staff Attorney

Community Legal Aid (CLA) is the non-profit legal services program providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly residents of central and western Mass. CLA has over 150 dedicated, talented staff working across multiple offices. Our core work includes effective client-centered advocacy and robust outreach to and partnerships with our client communities.CLA seeks a staff attorney to work in its education law unit on behalf of children in the education and disability arenas. The attorney will be based in CLA's Worcester office and will assist at-risk students with cases involving Individualized Education Programs, school discipline (including suspensions and expulsions), language access, and other issues specifically affecting low-income students. The attorney will also assist children with disabilities seeking to obtain or maintain SSI benefits from the Social Security Administration, with a focus on cases at the reconsideration and appeal levels. The attorney will conduct community outreach and education and assist in the preparation of periodic grant reports.QUALIFICATIONS: Law students currently in their third year of law school, recent law school graduates, and more experienced attorneys are eligible to apply. Fluency in Spanish preferred, as is experience in education law or child-related SSI law. Excellent oral and written communication skills, a demonstrated dedication to social justice, and commitment to working with low-income communities are important.COMPENSATION: The starting salary for this position is $71,500, which is based on a union scale and adjusted upward depending on experience. CLA offers a very generous benefits package that includes 401(k) with employer-paid contribution; low-cost health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) for employees and their dependents; malpractice insurance; paid leave (4 weeks vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays); and relocation stipend.APPLICATION PROCESS: Please apply online. Alternatively, you can submit your cover letter and resume to: Alicia Vaughan, HR Director, Community Legal Aid, 370 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608, or email avaughan@cla-ma.org.CLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to ensure that our staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. CLA encourages applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

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