Mitigation Specialist: Criminal Trials & Social Work

The Legal Aid Society; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Legal Aid Society is seeking a Mitigation Specialist for its Staten Island office to interview clients, gather life histories, and advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration. The role partners with the Social Work Unit and the Pre-Arraignment Project to address mental health, substance use, trauma, and poverty-related factors in defense strategies.

You will conduct psychosocial assessments, coordinate with clinicians and attorneys, and provide crisis counseling and in-court

Qualifications

• MSW degree and NYS certification in social work (LMSW or LCSW). Proof of NYS Social Work License must be provided before final decision of employment.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
• Strong assessment skills and experience with mental health and substance use, intellectual and other developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, etc.
• Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys, and Correctional Personnel
• Ability to negotiate with community-based organizations to increase access to supportive services
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills. Manage a diverse caseload
• Proficient in using Microsoft 365
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Interview pre and post arraignment clients and complete psychosocial and intake assessments
• Provide crisis intervention, brief treatment, or short-term counseling services
• Identify and interview collateral sources of information across family, friends, teachers, social workers, and community members
• Request, review, and analyze life history records to document arguments in written reports
• Assist in case preparation and casework plans with the legal team to develop alternative sentencing plans
• Assess client readiness for treatment and make referrals (substance abuse, mental health, etc)
• Provide oral advocacy and/or testimony in court
• Conduct in-person visits to clients in the community and in detention facilities
• Conduct training for LAS staff, social work interns, treatment providers, and criminal justice personnel
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Client interview

Crisis counseling

Assessment skills

Interagency collaboration

Oral advocacy

Legal liaison

Education

MSW degree and NYS social work license (LMSW/LCSW)

3+ years relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Society is seeking a Mitigation Specialist for its Staten Island office to interview clients, gather life histories, and advocate for alternatives to detention or incarceration. The role partners with the Social Work Unit and the Pre-Arraignment Project to address mental health, substance use, trauma, and poverty-related factors in defense strategies.

You will conduct psychosocial assessments, coordinate with clinicians and attorneys, and provide crisis counseling and in-court