OVERVIEW: Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas (LANWT) seeks a professional, experienced and articulate individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to fill a social worker position in its Fort Worth office.

DESCRIPTION: LANWT is a non-profit public interest law firm that provides high-quality free civil legal services to low-income persons in 114 counties in North and West Texas. Located in Fort Worth, the Fort Worth office delivers civil legal services to the poor in a diverse and dynamic city and in several neighboring rural counties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: A social worker provides social work services to eligible clients in collaboration with LANWT staff attorneys and third party partner agencies. Other duties and responsibilities of a social worker include:

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of local, regional, state and federal resources and benefits available to eligible clients.
• Provide personalized needs assessments to clients and make recommendations to secure resources.
• Provide crisis management, safety planning and risk assessments to clients.
• Assist clients in applying for and maintaining benefits and resources, including applications for Crime Victim Compensation.
• Keep clients apprised of case related activity.
• Monitor and accurately maintain case records in LANWT's electronic case management system.
• Gather relevant case information, research applicable laws and regulations to assist in case strategy and conducting necessary interviews.
• Work with and support attorneys in the delivery of legal services and provide support in legal proceedings, including court accompaniment.
• Perform biopsychosocial evaluations including a summary report to assist attorneys in litigation.
• Obtain and analyze confidential client records and maintain confidentiality of client information at all times.
• Negotiate and advocate on behalf of clients to secure favorable outcomes.
• Keep apprised of changes in the law and other issues that may affect LANWT's client population, and advise management and other staff of such issues.
• Design and carry out outreach, community education and internal training.
• Ensure compliance with Legal Services Corporation regulations and LANWT's policies and procedures.
• Perform any other duties which may be assigned by the supervising or managing attorney, Deputy Director or Chief Executive Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Disabilities Studies, Social Service or other related fields required.
• Licensed in Texas as Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) required.
• Minimum of 2 years of related social work experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with survivors of abuse, neglect, sexual assault and trauma preferred.
• Prior experience working as an advocate on behalf of individuals seeking services preferred.
• General knowledge and/or experienced in law office practices and general court procedures.
• Ability to communicate and interact in a professional and courteous manner with a diverse population, including office personnel, applicants/clients, vendors, and other professional contacts.
• Candidate must be detail oriented, efficient, organized and self-motivated.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent computer skills with use of Microsoft products preferred.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment and discretion in the performance of all duties.
• Ability to engage in occasional travel.
• Fluent in Spanish - both verbal and written is preferred.
• Excellent attendance record.

SALARY: Current entry-level salary for a social worker is $39,500 per year. The salary for the successful applicant may be significantly higher based on applicant's years of experience.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays; a retirement plan; health, dental, and life insurance.

Please submit a cover letter expressing interest, a resume, and three professional references during the application process.

LEGAL AID OF NORTHWEST TEXAS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY