By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Harvard clinical programs consist of a variety of legal training programs. HLAB provides student representation to individuals in the areas of housing, wage and hour, and family matters (including early defense to families investigated by DCF).  LSC provides students representation in the areas of housing, consumer, tax, family law / domestic violence, early defense to families investigated by DCF, LGBTQ+ rights, safety net benefits, and veterans law. TAP provides student representation to tenants on matters related to subsidized housing. PLAP provides student representation to inmates facing disciplinary hearings and reentry. Defenders provide student representation to individuals who are facing a criminal matters at a Magistrate's Hearing. 

The social worker is embedded in the HLAB program and participates in all aspects of the HLAB and LSC programs, including training, practice area groups, case management, and provides support to faculty, staff, students, and clients across all components of HLAB and LSC. 

Additional responsibilities include brief consultations with TAP, PLAP, and Defenders. These consults focus on the intersection of mental health and legal advocacy, managing client interactions, and client needs and resource development.  

This position serves as an agent for the legal teams and is obliged to follow the rules of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality. The position is also responsible for supervising social worker interns who provide support to student attorneys and their clients.

As the Social Worker, you will: 

• Provide direct (one-to-one) social work support and advocacy to clients, working within a client-centered model; 
• Strategize with Clinical Instructors about best practices for providing social work support to clients and student attorneys in the context of legal representation;  
• Build networks and resources to support our clients when they are represented by our respective programs; 
• Manage social work intern program, including outreach, onboarding, and coordinating with social work schools. Provide weekly individual and monthly group supervision to social work student intern(s); 
• Provide congruent training and work closely with students participating in HLAB, the LSC clinics and the other student-practice organizations. Training/Educating students on subjects such as crisis management, trauma and secondary trauma, burnout, boundaries, mental health, and client-centered practice; 
• Work with student attorneys to develop their strategies and skills in supporting their clients presently and beyond;  
• As needed, attend court appearances and write letters and assessments related to client needs and abilities, and potential recommendations; 
• Advocate for clients with other systems, such as DMH, DCF, DDS, VA, community programs, funding programs, and other resources to build improved supports and resourcing for clients and their families; 
• Participate in home visits and other community outreach as needed; 
• Complete other social work-related tasks as needed and assigned by the HLAB and LSC Directors.  

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse client population, using a client-centered and trauma-informed approach; 
• Bilingual or multilingual a plus; 
• Ability to work within a passionate interdisciplinary team and meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders. 
• Experience working with student support systems and/or legal services. 
• Current licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Standard Hours/Schedule: 28 hours per week; Part-time, M-F.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information:

This position works a combination of on campus (Cambridge and Jamaica Plain) and remote work based on business needs and manager approval.  

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.