Forensic Social Worker — Court Advocacy & Client Support

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Disability benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society in Brooklyn seeks a Forensic Social Worker to interview clients, assess needs, and advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration. You will work closely with Criminal Defense attorneys to develop treatment plans and gather documentation for program acceptance.

Requirements include an MSW and NYS license (LMSW/LCSW) or eligibility within 6 months, plus strong diagnostic and communication skills.

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 in 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 and mitigating circumstances
• Conduct bio-psycho-social assessments and provide crisis intervention/short-term counseling as needed
• Request, review, and analyze life history records to document arguments in reports
• Develop casework and alternative sentencing plans with attorneys and provide advocacy in court
• Assess readiness for treatment and refer to substance abuse/mental health services
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Communication

Persuasive writing

Oral communication

Teamwork

Microsoft 365

Education

MSW degree

NYS LMSW/LCSW eligible

Job description

The Legal Aid Society in Brooklyn seeks a Forensic Social Worker to interview clients, assess needs, and advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration. You will work closely with Criminal Defense attorneys to develop treatment plans and gather documentation for program acceptance.

Requirements include an MSW and NYS license (LMSW/LCSW) or eligibility within 6 months, plus strong diagnostic and communication skills.