Legal Aid Society of New York

Forensic Social Worker

DATE: 02/11/08
UNION STATUS: 1199
DIVISION/DEPARTMENT: CP – PRDU – Temporary Assignment
JOB CODE: (various)
REPORTS TO: Frank DeJesus
FULL/PART TIME: FT
LOCATION: 199 Water Street

The Criminal Practice has a position open for a Forensic Social Worker. The employee will be temporarily assigned to PRDU until approximately October 2008 to replace a staff member on leave, and thereafter the employee may be assigned to a trial office if a position is available.

Major Purpose of Position

While working closely with the PRDU attorneys, the FSW’s primary role is to testify at parole violation hearings as an expert witness at the Rikers Island Judicial Center. The FSW will assess and diagnose clients and recommend a treatment program. The FSW will fill out necessary paperwork and provide supporting documents to facilitate a client’s interview with a program and/or to assure a client’s acceptance into a program. The FSW educates the client about treatment options, offers crisis intervention, and short term counseling.

This position is a Rikers Island based practice with an office at the Water Street location. Candidates must be willing to travel to the Rikers Island Judicial Center regularly.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Strong diagnostic skills with a background emphasis in working with clients with the following special needs: MICA clients, clients with physical illnesses and physical disabilities, clients with mental illness, mental retardation, and developmental delays, and clients with histories of substance abuse.
• Ability to interface with Judges, Parole Revocation Specialists and Correctional Personnel
• Ability to negotiate with community based treatment centers
• Ability to work within a team model
• Strong organizational skills

Secondary Duties/Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned

Training And Qualifications

• Candidates must have an MSW degree and NYS certification in social work (LMSW)
• Strong writing, verbal, organization, and computer skills
• Commitment to protecting the rights parole violators
• Proficiency in Spanish is desirable, but not required

To Apply:

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

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.