Court Based Social Worker

NYC Criminal Justice Agency • New York, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Court Based Social Worker is a licensed social worker or mental health counselor who works collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team of social workers and court representatives stationed in the courthouse. This role contributes clinical experience and knowledge to assist in appropriately advocating for participants with behavioral health needs, especially those that might be in crisis. The position involves engaging in difficult cases where pre-program interviews require coaching, counseling, and discussions with the potential client and his/her attorney. The Court Based Social Worker is responsible for securing consent to begin a mobile intake assessment at the courthouse, immediately upon release under supervision, and engaging evidence-based techniques and motivational interviewing to engage individuals in the process. This is a great professional development opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual, experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional or developmental challenges, who have criminal court involvement.

Requirements

• Master's degree in social work or mental health counseling; LMSW or LMHC is required within 6 months of start date.
• 3+ years of related experience working with court-involved populations of diverse age ranges who present a wide variety of needs including mental health, substance abuse, education, or family or socio-economic challenges.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system procedures and ability to communicate this knowledge to justice-involved individuals (bail procedures, court appearances, etc.).
• Familiarity with the Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models.
• Knowledge of treatment programs (substance use, mental health, co-occurring disorders, etc.) and other support services (GED, job training, adolescent development, etc.) for referrals.
• Experience working with the homeless and/or unstably housed population and familiarity with housing programs and related community resources to assist participants facing housing instability.
• Ability to follow workflow procedures and ability to work in fast paced environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and time management skills.
• Ability to utilize active-listening skills, exercise sound judgement, problem-solve and be detail-oriented.
• Computer literacy with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice techniques including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and DBT.
• Experience documenting client progress in a customized Case Management System.
• Internal candidates should be in good standing with the agency when applying and in their positions for 1 year.

Nice To Haves

• LCSW/LMSW/LMHC
• Bi-lingual (Spanish speaking) preferred
• (English/Spanish), a plus.
• CJA is seeking applicants who pursue professional development pathways by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks, and engaging with professional associations

Responsibilities

• Function collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team of Social Workers, Court Representatives and Peer Specialists, in order to contribute clinical experience and knowledge, to assist in appropriately screening and advocating for participants with behavioral health needs, those in crisis, and individuals who screen as high risk.
• Draw upon a full understanding of court procedures and work collaboratively with clients, attorneys, judges and other court stakeholders to facilitate release into the Supervised Release Program.
• Work alongside our Intensive Case Management team to support clients who are at high risk of recidivism and/or failure-to-appear in court or who are arraigned and would typically be seen in the community.
• Utilize problem solving techniques, motivational interviewing and other evidence-based practices as appropriate, as a critical part of the pretrial supervision and case management process approach, to help motivate and engage individuals in any needed process of change.
• Immediately begin a full or partial intake assessment to gather information, as well as explain program supervision conditions (including the anticipated reporting schedule and mandatory methods of communication) to all newly released participants presenting as “in crisis”, high risk, or high needs.
• Initiate necessary referrals directly from arraignment or other court parts as needed, or as ordered by the judge (i.e. detox, outpatient substance abuse treatment and mental health).
• Communicate and collaborate with defense attorneys and other court partners regarding program expectations, coordination of client service referrals, and program compliance.
• Collaborate closely with community programs to ensure that referrals and court mandates are translated into programming.
• Be present at court appearances to relay compliance information on and off the court record, as needed.
• Ensure the timely flow of information and other necessary documentation to all case management, administrative and managerial staff to meet program goals and objectives.

Benefits

• health, dental and vision insurance
• a comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan
• four weeks’ vacation
• paid holidays
• a retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level