Social Worker, CDP

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks Social Workers to join the Criminal Defense Practice in the Brooklyn Office. BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty. BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs.

In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities. The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested and are facing both misdemeanors and felony cases in Brooklyn and Queens Supreme and Criminal Courts.

Our staff consists of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative professionals. BDS seeks an energetic social worker to become an integral part of the team to advocate for clients, both in and out of court.

Responsibilities

Partner collaboratively with attorneys and other experts to provide comprehensive legal representation and determine case strategy for clients facing criminal charges. Responsible for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action and intervention. Advocate orally for clients in court. Produce mitigation reports on clients’ behalf. Conduct psychosocial assessments, develop service plans and refer clients for services. Communicate with external service providers about client needs. Maintain regular contact with clients including visits to incarcerated individuals.

Provide emotional support and guidance to clients, as well as crisis intervention when needed. Maintain case notes and documentation in electronic database. Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and eligible to become licensed within six months of starting the position. Experience working in criminal court and forensic settings strongly preferred. Ability to work collaboratively as part of the defense team in a client-centered practice. Ability to write detailed and persuasive reports that include mitigation as part of the pre-pleading and post-conviction phase of the client’s case. Strong interpersonal skills in order to engage with family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers, and other potential mitigation/defense witnesses to obtain…

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