Forensic Social Worker - Alternative Sentencing & 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 Brooklyn seeks a Forensic Social Worker to interview clients and collateral contacts to gather life histories highlighting mitigating factors such as mental illness, trauma or poverty.

The FSW will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, evaluate clients for treatment programs, complete necessary paperwork, and provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling while informing attorneys with essential client information.

Qualifications

• MSW degree and New York State 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 working with clients with the following special needs: MICA, physical illnesses and disabilities, mental health, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, and histories of substance use
• Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys and Correctional Personnel
• Ability to negotiate with community-based treatment centers
• Ability to write persuasively
• 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 highlighting mitigating factors
• Identify and interview collateral sources (family, friends, teachers, social workers, etc.)
• Request, review, and analyze life history records to document arguments in reports
• Develop casework plans with attorneys and advocate for alternatives to sentencing
• Assess readiness for treatment and refer to appropriate services
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

MSW degree/NYS license

Diagnostic skills

Interface with Judges/DA/Corrections

Negotiation with treatment centers

Persuasive writing

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft 365

Team collaboration

Education

MSW degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice in Brooklyn seeks a Forensic Social Worker to interview clients and collateral contacts to gather life histories highlighting mitigating factors such as mental illness, trauma or poverty.

The FSW will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, evaluate clients for treatment programs, complete necessary paperwork, and provide crisis intervention and short-term counseling while informing attorneys with essential client information.