The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal services to indigent persons in civil and criminal matters where the laws of the Commonwealth or the state or federal constitution mandate that counsel be provided. This includes representation in adult criminal, juvenile delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare/state intervention, mental health, guardianships, civil commitments, sexually dangerous person and sex offender registry cases, as well as related appeals and post-conviction matters.

As part of its mission to provide holistic, client-centered representation, CPCS is looking to add to its Social Services Expert list.  In many cases our attorneys hire Social Services Experts to work as part of their client’s legal team.  Social Services Experts can provide essential professional expertise that can improve the client’s chances of successful litigation. The work produced by the Social Services Experts is considered the work product of the attorney and legal team. Please note that CPCS hires staff social workers who are employees of CPCS.  This posting is specifically for private Social Services Experts who wish to be retained as independent contractors. 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients by providing zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent representation.  In fulfilling its mission, CPCS is committed to fostering diversity at all levels of the agency.  We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs.  In striving always to achieve those goals, CPCS embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and is steadfast in our commitment to:  (1) ensuring that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human difference and experience; (2) providing a work climate that is respectful and that supports success; and (3) promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS's leadership is responsible for ensuring excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.

Qualifications

• Masters level social workers (MSW), or a M.A./M.S./M.Ed. in a related field.
• B.A. or B.S. in a related field and with relevant social service experience.
• License preferred (LICSW, LCSW, LMHC, LADC1, LMFT), but not required.

For more information about the social service vendor’s role or the process to be approved to receive payments please email ssvendors@publiccounsel.net or click on this link: https://www.publiccounsel.net/cfo/billing/court-cost-billing/.

The vendor application can be accessed at the following link: 

https://www.publiccounsel.net/gc/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/03/Expert-Vendor-Application-Rev.March-2017.pdf. 

Please note your completed application package should be forwarded to ccvendor-applications@publiccounsel.net.

Responsibilities

The information that Social Services Experts acquire and develop for an attorney can be used at every stage of the legal process. Social Services Experts can be hired to provide services that fall within the CPCS guidelines, including but not limited to, the following:

• Case consultation
• Complete assessments/evaluations,
• Aid-in-sentencing reports,
• Review and assess the necessity of services (e.g., substance use treatment, counseling, anger management, etc.),
• Provide assistance in accessing desired services,
• Create post-release service plans,
• Review case records and documentation

EEO Statement

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.  Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or who need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Ted Waterman at ewaterman@publiccounsel.net