Court-Based Forensic Social Worker — Parole Defense Advocate

Out Professionals; New York (NY); On-site; USD 84,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society, the largest public interest law firm in New York City, seeks a dedicated court-based Forensic Social Worker for the Parole Revocation Defense Unit (PRDU) in the Bronx to gather life histories and highlight mitigating circumstances such as mental illness, trauma, or poverty.

The FSW will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, evaluate clients for treatment, and assist with paperwork to facilitate program entry and support to attorneys.

Qualifications

• MSW degree and NYS license in social work (LMSW or LCSW) preferred or the ability to obtain LMSW licensure within 6 months of hire
• Strong diagnostic skills with a background emphasis in mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and poverty
• Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys and correctional personnel in court/detention centers
• Ability to negotiate with treatment centers and write persuasively
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational and computer skills, and teamwork

Responsibilities

• Interview the client in court, performing a thorough bio-psycho-social assessment; crisis intervention or short-term counseling as needed
• Identify and interview collateral sources (family, friends, teachers, social workers, community members)
• Request, review, and analyze life history records to document arguments for reports
• Develop casework and sentencing plans with attorneys and provide court advocacy
• Assess readiness for treatment and refer to substance abuse/mental health services
• Conduct in-person visits to clients in the community, jails, detention centers or hospitals
• Other duties assigned

Education

MSW degree

NY State license in social work (LMSW or LCSW)

Job description

The Legal Aid Society, the largest public interest law firm in New York City, seeks a dedicated court-based Forensic Social Worker for the Parole Revocation Defense Unit (PRDU) in the Bronx to gather life histories and highlight mitigating circumstances such as mental illness, trauma, or poverty.

The FSW will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, evaluate clients for treatment, and assist with paperwork to facilitate program entry and support to attorneys.