Harvard University · Cambridge, MA

Social Worker at Harvard University — Cambridge, MA

Full-timeCambridge, MAPosted 2026-07-09Apply on SmartRecruiters
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Full job description

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
  • LICSW

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.

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

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Licensure

License/Certification: Current licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Other Information:

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

Work Format Details

Salary Grade and Ranges

Benefits

  • 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