Social Worker – Detention & Removal Defense

National Legal Aid & Defender Association; Edison (NJ); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) employer contribution

Paid time off

CLE training credits

Job summary

Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) in Edison, NJ seeks a licensed clinician to advance civil legal aid for vulnerable clients. The role requires an LSW or NJ LCSW license and at least three years of experience serving individuals with mental health needs, addictions, incarceration, or trauma.

Spanish or other foreign language skills are preferred. The firm offers a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and potential hybrid work after a 90-day review period.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience handling or managing cases involving mental health conditions, substance addictions, incarceration/detention, trauma or abuse survivors, or similar vulnerable populations.
• Experience supporting representation of low-income individuals and/or immigrants.
• Spanish or other foreign language proficiency preferred but not required.

Skills

Spanish language proficiency

Education

LSW or NJ LCSW license

Job description

Position 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.

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.