Forensic Social Worker - Criminal Defense & Mitigation

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

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society is seeking two Forensic Social Workers in its Manhattan office. You will interview clients and collateral contacts to build life histories highlighting mitigating factors such as mental illness, trauma, substance use, and poverty that contributed to involvement with the criminal justice system.

You will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, evaluate for treatment, and complete necessary paperwork to facilitate program acceptance.

Qualifications

• MSW degree and NYS license preferred or able to obtain LMSW within 6 months.
• Strong diagnostic skills with background in mental health, substance use, trauma.
• Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys and Correctional Personnel.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients with thorough bio-psycho-social assessment; may include crisis intervention.
• Interview collateral sources such as family, teachers, and community members.
• Request, review, and analyze life history records to support written reports.
• Develop casework and alternative sentencing plans with attorneys; provide advocacy in court.
• Assess readiness for treatment and refer to appropriate services.

Skills

Diagnostic skills

Written communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft 365

Team player

Interpersonal skills

Education

MSW degree

NY license eligibility

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Society is seeking two Forensic Social Workers in its Manhattan office. You will interview clients and collateral contacts to build life histories highlighting mitigating factors such as mental illness, trauma, substance use, and poverty that contributed to involvement with the criminal justice system.

You will advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration, evaluate for treatment, and complete necessary paperwork to facilitate program acceptance.