Details
Posted: 13-Sep-23
Location: Law School Campus,
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
The Juvenile Justice Clinic at the Center for Juvenile Law and Policy, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, is accepting applications for the position of Juvenile Defense Social Worker. The candidate will be expected to work on a holistic legal team consisting of law students and Youth Education Advocates representing youth in Los Angeles juvenile delinquency courts. The position is open to be filled immediately.
The Center for Juvenile Law and Policy (CJLP) houses four live-client in-house clinics providing direct representation. As part of the CJLP, the Juvenile Justice Clinic provides free trial-level legal services to children in the Los Angeles delinquency courts while providing law students with a vital skill set and the opportunity to practice in the public interest. The JJC works collaboratively with the Youth Justice Education Clinic and staff social workers to holistically represent youth and ensure that each and every client has the opportunity to succeed in life.
JJC Mission Statement:
The Juvenile Justice Clinic at Loyola Marymount Law School provides holistic, client-centered advocacy for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. We join with movements that challenge institutionalized racism on all levels and seek to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. We unequivocally stand with the Black Lives Matter movement in the fight against all systems which continue to oppress Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We continually hold ourselves accountable to our clients, to dismantling the unjust system, and to affirming the value of every individual we represent. In doing so, we are guided by three core principles:
* Providing holistic, client-centered representation. Our team of social workers, certified law students, and attorneys advocate for dignified solutions that meet our client's stated interests.
* Being conscious of the community we are serving. Our understanding that kids are fundamentally different from adults and face hardships unique to their developmental stage drives how we represent our clients.
* Zealously advocate for every juvenile client. Every member of our team vows to decenter themselves and challenge their implicit biases. The clinic trains future generations of defenders to celebrate and honor young people and fight for our communities.
The Juvenile Justice Clinic commits to breaking down barriers to justice and liberating all youth from the shackles of the criminal legal system.
- JJC Class of 2020-2021
RESPONSIBILITIES
Social workers are a vital part of our practice model. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Collaborate with supervising lawyers, law students, and social workers within the JJC and other clinics, such as YJEC staff and students, to identify and achieve the legal goals of the youth we represent.
* Advocate on behalf of youth at probation, education, community-based programs, and DCFS meetings, as well as in court appearances.
* Interview and clinically assess the youth we represent to identify strengths, resources, and needs, including intervention, rehabilitation, sentencing, and resource recommendations.
* Help inform and guide the youth we represent through the delinquency court process and assist them in overcoming barriers while navigating the system.
* Conduct case management, supportive counseling, and crisis intervention for the youth we represent.
* Visit clients and their families in the community, at school, at court and in detention facilities.
* Assist with mental health, medical, and DCFS record reviews and school-based services needs assessment.
* Prepare persuasive written work product, including mitigation reports arguing for reduced sentencing for judges and prosecutors incorporating content from psychological interviews, interviews with collateral sources, healthcare and/or school records, and social science research.
* Support and counsel clients and families during all stages of juvenile case proceedings.
* Maintain case records in the JJC's online informational case management system.
* Cultivate relationships with community programs and social service providers.
* Provide training and support to law students regarding second-hand trauma in representing at-risk youth in the juvenile delinquency/criminal system.
* Report directly to the Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic.
* Perform other related duties as assigned or requested by the supervising attorneys.
The Law School reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.
Loyola Marymount University Expectations
Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service.
QUALIFICATIONS
To be eligible, candidates must have:
* Masters in Social Work ("MSW") from an accredited School of Social Work and two years of post-graduate experience
* Spanish Fluency with ability to conduct interviews in Spanish
Applicants must demonstrate:
* Passion for holistic indigent youth defense and racial justice
* Working knowledge of the education, delinquency, and dependency/child welfare systems in Los Angeles, as well as of Los Angeles community resources and network of services for at-risk youths and their families
* Interest in criminal/juvenile justice policy and reform
* Working knowledge of how trauma manifests in court, programs, and school and healing-centered interventions
* Proven dedication to serving at-risk youth and underserved communities
* Experience working with school-aged youth
* Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people in various backgrounds, identities, and experiences
* Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively with lawyers, non-lawyers, and students
* Commitment to fierce advocacy and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of the people we represent
* Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high stakes environment
* Meticulous attention to detail
* Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly
* Commitment to raising one's cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level
The social worker will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes.
This position is full-time, year-round based in Los Angeles, primarily in-person on the Loyola Law School campus. This position requires driving to court, client homes, schools, etc. Some evening and occasional weekend hours will be required.
TO APPLY
Applicants should submit the following:
* A cover letter. If you would prefer to send in a video or audio statement in lieu of a cover letter, you may upload your statement as a document and separately upload a video or audio statement instead of a cover letter. Your cover letter or video/audio statement should share why you want to do this work at the JJC, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Your cover letter may be up to one page if written or up to 3 minutes if an audio/video statement. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience and potential beyond the work history summarized in your resume. Please remember that you may submit a written cover letter or an audio/video statement, but not both, and applications without either will not be considered;
* Resume;
* A list of three professional references.
Applications missing any components or not submitted in the requested manner will not be considered.
DEADLINE
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Ideal start date is end of August/beginning of September.
Please contact Roshell Amezcua, Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic, via email at Roshell.Amezcua@lls.edu with any questions regarding the position.
Visit the Center for Juvenile Law and Policy's web site at: https://lmu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers/job/Law-School-Campus/Juvenile-Justice-Clinic-Social-Worker_R7230
#HEJ# #HERC#
Staff Regular
Salary range
$64,480.00 - $71,600.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)
