Social Worker – Detention & Removal Defense

Management Information Exchange; Edison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

403(b) employer contribution

Paid time off

CLE credit trainings

Job summary

Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) in Edison seeks experienced social workers for cases involving mental health, addiction, incarceration, trauma, and vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate holds an LSW or NJ LCSW and has at least three years of relevant experience.

Travel to detention centers in NJ or PA is possible. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and a hybrid work option after a 90-day assessment. Salary starts at $58,000 with eligibility for benefits.

Qualifications

• Must hold an LSW or NJ LCSW license with a minimum of three years of experience handling or managing cases of individuals with mental health conditions, addictions, incarcerated/detained individuals, trauma survivors, or similar vulnerable populations.
• Experience supporting the representation of low-income people and/or immigrants preferred.
• Spanish proficiency preferred but not required.
• Willingness to travel to detention centers in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

Responsibilities

• Conduct case assessments and develop service and release plans,
• Provide referrals for housing, counseling, medical and other services,
• Collaborate with LSNJ offices in Edison and Newark; travel as needed.

Skills

Spanish (preferred)

Education

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or NJ LCSW

Job description

Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) is an Edison-based non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income New Jerseyans. LSNJ seeks candidates that are interested in making a difference in our client’s lives. Our staff is diverse, including a wide variety of backgrounds, bringing varied perspectives, work experiences, life styles and cultures. Whether you’ve been in private practice or public interest, join us and help build a more just legal system for New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations.

LSNJ is seeking experienced social workers responsible for case assessments, development of service and release plans, and referrals for housing, counseling, medical, and other services. The position may require travel to detention centers in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. LSNJ has offices in Edison and in Newark, and a shared workspace in Collingswood.

The position requires LSW or NJ LCSW license with a minimum three years of experience handling or managing cases of individuals with mental health conditions, individuals with alcohol and/or substance addictions, individuals who are incarcerated or detained, trauma and abuses survivors, or similar vulnerable populations. The ideal candidate will also have experience supporting the representation of low‑income people and/or immigrants. Spanish and other foreign languages proficiency preferred but not required.

LSNJ offers a positive workplace among colleagues who enjoy and are passionate about their work. We encourage a supportive, collaborative and team work environment. At LSNJ, offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package is one way we recognize our staff’s contribution to the firm and the lives of our clients. Full‑time and part‑time employees who are regularly scheduled to work 25 hours or more per week are eligible for LSNJ’s competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous 403(b) monthly employer contribution, paid time off, and in‑house trainings that offer CLE credit (for licensed staff).

Compensation: 2026 salary scale for this position starts at $58,000, commensurate with skill, knowledge and experience; hybrid work option after completion of 90‑day assessment period.

Qualified candidates should submit the following to be considered:

• Cover Letter describing the reasons for your interest in the position
• Resume

LSNJ is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristics or activity protected by law. LSNJ will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.