Legal Aid Society of New York

Forensic Social Worker

DATE: 3/12/08
UNION STATUS: 1199
PRACTICE/DEPARTMENT: Juvenile Rights
JOB CODE: (various)
REPORTS TO: Borough Social Work Supervisor
FULL/PART TIME: FT
LOCATION: Brooklyn & Manhattan

Major Purpose of Position

The Forensic Social Worker is part of an interdisciplinary team with lawyers providing representation to children who are before the NYC family court.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Assess client and his/her family
• Determine client's wishes
• Interview client, family members and other planning resources
• Educate client and others regarding the court process, options, timeframes, etc.
• Provide crisis intervention and short term counseling
• Consult with lawyers in determining client's position
• Mediate family disagreements and negotiate plans
• Conduct agency and home visits
• Maintain ongoing contact with other agencies involved on cases
• Review and evaluate service plans and agency records
• Refer to appropriate agencies for ongoing services
• Provide court testimony
• Participate in agency planning conferences
• Evaluate appropriateness of other agencies' interventions
• Develop alternate dispositional plans and court recommendations
• Prepare affidavits

Secondary Duties/Responsibilities

• Other appropriate duties

Training And Qualifications

• MSW degree
• Experience working with children and families
• Ability to work in a team setting
• Strong verbal, written & interpersonal skills
• Forensic experience a plus
• Ability to speak Spanish a plus
• NYS social work license must be obtained within 2 years

To Apply:

Please e-mail cover letter and resume to NSchrantdt@legal-aid.org with the subject line "PARA II - JRP"

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.