Mitigation-Focused Forensic Social Worker

thelegalaidsociety; 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 the Bronx seeks a Forensic Social Worker (FSW) to interview clients, assess needs, and develop mitigation packages to advocate for better outcomes.

Working with attorneys and an interdisciplinary team, the FSW identifies treatment options, connects to community resources, conducts crisis intervention, and helps prepare reports and presentations for courts to support alternatives to detention or incarceration.

Qualifications

• MSW degree with NYS LMSW/LCSW licensure or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Strong diagnostic skills and experience with mental health, substance use, trauma.
• Ability to liaise with judges, prosecutors, and correctional staff.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients and collateral sources to build life histories.
• Review records (school, medical, psychiatric) for mitigation arguments.
• Develop casework/alternative sentencing plans with attorneys.
• Refer to treatment services and advocate for appropriate care.
• Prepare oral/written presentations for stakeholders in court.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Organization

Team collaboration

Interagency liaison

Case management

Persuasive writing

Education

MSW degree and NYS LMSW/LCSW license

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice in the Bronx seeks a Forensic Social Worker (FSW) to interview clients, assess needs, and develop mitigation packages to advocate for better outcomes.

Working with attorneys and an interdisciplinary team, the FSW identifies treatment options, connects to community resources, conducts crisis intervention, and helps prepare reports and presentations for courts to support alternatives to detention or incarceration.