Urbana, Illinois
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Brockport, New York
Seattle, Washington
Houston, Texas
Posted: 05-Aug-23
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Type: Part-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 63388BR
Job Summary
The Harvard Representation Initiative (HRI), imbedded within the Harvard Immigration & Refugee Clinical Program, is a pro-bono law office serving immigration-related needs of students, staff, and faculty at Harvard University. HRI offers consultations and immigration representation and social work support, to members of the Harvard community whose immigration status is at risk, with the primary goal of assisting undocumented and DACAmented students and Harvard affiliates find available legal pathways for longer-term relief such asylum, temporary protected status, adjustment of status, or other forms of humanitarian relief.
The HRI team strives to create a safe and welcoming environment of belonging for undocumented and DACAmented students. We work on behalf of clients with diverse backgrounds, languages, religions, and identities and esteem to serve them without bias or discrimination. Our team includes lawyers, a legal assistant, a paralegal, and a social worker, each of whom is deeply committed to humanizing the immigration process for our clients. Our team embraces the unique contributions of each member, recognizing that client-centered services occur best when we work collaboratively. This position serves as an agent of the legal team and is obligated to follow rules of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality.
Position Description
As a Part-Time Social Worker you will:
On behalf of HRI team, convene and collaborate with administrators throughout University graduate and undergraduate programs to support needs of undocumented and DACAmented students
Develop mental health and community resources on/off campus that may enhance immigrant student experience and academic success. Keep apprised of changing legal requirements that impact social service acquisition; conduct related research as directed by HRI team
Develop, maintain, and regularly update HRI's resource directory for undocumented students. Update HRI web site and social media in collaboration with HIRCP program
Assist HRI team to assess undocumented and DACAmented student needs and identify possible remedies
Conduct regular outreach to HRI clients, providing emotional support and updates about case progress. Assist with social work intake, and crisis intervention, as needed
Accompany clients to immigration appointments and benefits offices; assist clients in navigating and applying for resources for which they are eligible and providing related advocacy support
Conduct outreach across the University to educate administrators and student groups about HRI, with the goal of increasing student awareness and use of our services. Attend incoming student orientations. Plan and run training events across the University to educate community about the needs of undocumented and DACAmented students Assist with drafting and editing Know-Your-Rights and other presentations, as needed, to be delivered to variety of campus audiences staff
Establish collaborations on and off campus with the goal of supporting undocumented students to connect with paid educational opportunities and career pathways
Attend meetings with community partners and coalitions and report back to HRI team, keeping apprised of changes to local and national policies impacting our clients
Basic Qualifications
Master's in Social Work. LICSW plus 3 years of work in social work, counseling, or related human-service field; or
Graduate degree and other state licensure plus 5 years of relevant lived or work experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:
Knowledge, through lived or work experience, of the unique needs of undocumented and DACAmented students, trauma-survivors, and immigrants whose status is at risk
Ability to work with a diverse client population, to use cultural humility and to use a client-centered, trauma-informed approach
Bilingual or multilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Haitian Creole, Dari, Arabic or other language
Lived experience as a member of or professional experience working with historically marginalized groups, including people of color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and other diverse life experiences
Ability to work with frequent interruptions, deftly shift focus, and attend to evolving priorities
Ability to work on an interdisciplinary team and to keep organized and detailed documentation of work and referrals
Ability to learn and use case management software, Microsoft Office Suite
Oral and written communication skills to independently formulate and express ideas and concepts; respond to correspondence in time and case sensitive manner
Experience working with student supports and/or legal services
Additional Information
This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through June 30, 2028, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.
We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.
Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
On-SiteCommitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
