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Forensic Social Worker (2 positions)

Housing Help Program

DATE: 9/10/07 (reposted)
UNION STATUS: 1199
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: Housing Help Program – BK
JOB CODE: S2200A
REPORTS TO: Supervising Attorney
FULL/PART TIME: FT
LOCATION: Brooklyn Housing Court – 141 Livingston Street

As a result of an expansion of an existing grant, the Housing Help Program (HHP) is expanding to Brooklyn and there are two (2) forensic social worker positions available. The HHP provides clients with legal and social services, with the dual objectives of preventing the immediate threat of homelessness, and stabilizing families over time to reduce the risk of homelessness in partnership with a social services agency.

Major Purpose of Position

Each Social Worker works as a team with one Staff Attorney. These interdisciplinary teams intake eligible clients together to conduct an initial needs assessment for all clients. This assessment will include a determination of the need for social services to support the legal services, including but not limited to providing essential housing related benefits assistance on cases. These positions will be located in the Brooklyn Housing Court.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

  • Perform initial needs assessment screening
  • Refer for and provide short-term social service assistance; refer for longer-term social service assistance
  • Perform crisis intervention and short-term counseling
  • Help clients navigate social welfare systems and develop casework plans in conjunction with the attorneys that include providing housing related benefits assistance on cases
  • Provide public assistance advocacy, fill out ongoing rental assistance and oneshot rental assistance applications, advocate for workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, Medicaid, charitable grants;
  • Network with mental health, vocational and educational agencies
  • Advocate with City, State and Federal agencies
  • Must be able to handle a high volume of individual cases and respond to the needs of community based organizations

Secondary Duties/Responsibilities

  • Other duties as assigned

Training And Qualifications

  • Candidates must have an MSW degree and New York State certification in social work (LMSW)
  • Strong writing, verbal, organization, and computer skills
  • Commitment to protecting the rights of low-income clients
  • Experience in and/or commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income people and immigrants is strongly desired
  • These positions may require off-site intake and evening hours.
  • Proficiency in languages other than English is desirable, but not required

To Apply:

Please e-mail cover letter and resume and writing sample to KAMohamed@legal-aid.org with the subject line "FSW - HHP BK"

The Legal Aid Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Women, People of Color, Gays and Lesbians, Transgender People, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.