Mitigation Specialist: Transforming Sentencing & Support

thelegalaidsociety; New York (NY); Hybrid; 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 in Staten Island is seeking a Mitigation Specialist to join the hybrid Social Work Unit and Pre-Arraignment Project. You will interview clients pre and post arraignment, gather life histories, and identify mitigating factors to pursue alternatives to detention or incarceration.

You will conduct psychosocial assessments, provide crisis counseling, collaborate with legal staff, visit clients in the community and facilities, and advocate for appropriate services.

Qualifications

• MSW degree and NYS LMSW/LCSW license required.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
• Strong assessment skills with mental health, substance use, disabilities.
• Ability to interface with Judges, DAs, and Correctional personnel.
• Excellent written and oral communications; able to manage a diverse caseload.

Responsibilities

• Interview pre and post arraignment clients and complete psychosocial assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention or short-term counseling services.
• Identify collateral sources and interview family, friends, professionals.
• Review life history records to document arguments for reports.
• Assist in case preparation and bail applications.
• Assess readiness for treatment and refer to appropriate services.
• Provide oral advocacy/testimony in court when needed.
• Conduct in-person visits to clients in the community or facilities.
• Train LAS staff and interns; maintain a caseload.

Skills

Interviewing clients

Crisis intervention

Assessment skills

Advocacy

Oral and written communication

Caseload management

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

MSW degree

NYS LMSW/LCSW license

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Legal Aid Society in Staten Island is seeking a Mitigation Specialist to join the hybrid Social Work Unit and Pre-Arraignment Project. You will interview clients pre and post arraignment, gather life histories, and identify mitigating factors to pursue alternatives to detention or incarceration.

You will conduct psychosocial assessments, provide crisis counseling, collaborate with legal staff, visit clients in the community and facilities, and advocate for appropriate services.