Forensic Social Worker — Advocate for Alternatives & Treatment

The Legal Aid Society; 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's Criminal Defense Practice in Manhattan seeks a Forensic Social Worker to interview clients, gather life histories, and highlight mitigating factors such as mental health, trauma, and poverty to inform case strategy.

The FSW will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, assess readiness for treatment, provide crisis intervention, and support attorneys with reports and referrals.

Qualifications

• MSW degree and NYS license (LMSW or LCSW) or eligibility, with potential LMSW within 6 months.
• Strong diagnostic skills with background in mental health, substance use, trauma and related issues.
• Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys and Correctional Personnel.
• Ability to negotiate with community-based treatment centers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365.
• Ability to work within a team model.

Responsibilities

• Interview the client and collateral sources to build a life history.
• Identify collateral sources and perform bio-psycho-social assessments.
• Review life history records to document arguments for reports.
• Develop casework plans with attorneys and advocate for alternatives to detention.
• Assess readiness for treatment and refer to services.
• Prepare paperwork and supporting documents for program interviews.
• Educate clients about treatment options and provide crisis intervention.
• Provide information to attorneys about clients.

Skills

Interviewing clients

Crisis intervention

Advocacy in court

Written communication

Oral communication

Case management

Team collaboration

Microsoft 365

Negotiation with treatment centers

Organization

Education

MSW degree

New York State license (LMSW/LCSW) or eligibility

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice in Manhattan seeks a Forensic Social Worker to interview clients, gather life histories, and highlight mitigating factors such as mental health, trauma, and poverty to inform case strategy.

The FSW will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, assess readiness for treatment, provide crisis intervention, and support attorneys with reports and referrals.