A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Juvenile Justice Clinic (JJC) at the University of Michigan Law School is seeking a dedicated and experienced social worker  to join our team as part of a two-year, grant-funded pilot project. This innovative initiative is designed to improve legal and social outcomes for youth charged with felony offenses.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team of legal professionals and contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven program supporting some of Michigan's most vulnerable youth.

Duration: Two-year, grant-funded position. Please note that employment in this role is contingent on the continuation of grant funding and may be terminated early if grant funding is reduced or discontinued.

Work Expectations: Please note that this position is at a reduced effort of 75% (30 hours per week with flexible scheduling). 

Michigan Law, one of the oldest law schools in the nation, was founded in 1859 and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence.  Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, and enjoys international renown for its academic rigor, stunning physical surroundings, the faculty's preeminent scholarship, and an academic community noted for collegiality and warmth. Supported by remarkable facilities, preeminent faculty-scholars, and unparalleled architecture and physical environment, Michigan Law has a total of 21,800 alumni, 1,001 J.D. candidates, and 82 full-time faculty members, including 55 tenured and tenure-track, 27 clinical and legal practice, and 57 part-time faculty members.  In March, 2015 Michigan Law had a 97.4 percent employment rate for the class of 2014. Contributing to the close-knit law-school community, law students have a choice of 6 student-edited journals and more than 50 student organizations in which to participate.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Direct Client Support and Case Collaboration

• Provide social work consultation to JJC attorneys, law students, and clients.
• Address non-legal issues affecting case outcomes, such as family instability, mental health, education, housing, or food insecurity.
• Make referrals to therapeutic, educational, and other support services.
• Offer hands-on assistance to help stabilize clients' circumstances.

2. Statewide Advocacy and Support

• Deliver training and consultations to juvenile defense attorneys across Michigan.
• Improve access to community resources and expert evaluations (e.g., competency, neuropsychological, sexual behavior assessments).
• Support attorneys in identifying and securing appropriate services for youth in the justice system.

• Master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution
• Active license to practice social work in the State of Michigan

• 3-5 years of professional social work experience, preferably in legal or youth-serving settings
• Experience working with adolescents and interdisciplinary teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience developing and conducting professional trainings
• Familiarity with Michigan-based social service networks, housing providers, and related support systems
• Passion for justice reform and commitment to indigent defense

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.