Forensic Social Work Practice Supervisor

New York County Defender Services•New York, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) is a public defense firm established in 1997, dedicated to providing high-quality criminal representation to vulnerable communities in New York City. NYCDS offers comprehensive client services, including legal representation and social services, through a team of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative staff. The organization employs a team-based, client-centered representation model that emphasizes interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making. The office is seeking a competent supervisor to co-supervise the forensic social work unit, which comprises social workers and client advocates supporting various divisions within NYCDS. The unit conducts client assessments, makes referrals, drafts legal memoranda, and assists attorneys throughout criminal cases.

Requirements

Master of Social Work from an accredited Graduate School of Social Work
New York State License in Social Work (LMSW or LCSW)
Minimum of five years of public defense social work experience and/or experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems.
Knowledge and expertise on the effects of trauma, substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and family dynamics.
Passion for racial justice work.
Commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the unit and the office at large.
Strong engagement, interpersonal, teaching, communication, and analytical skills.
Interest in mentorship with an eye towards professional development and growth of forensic social workers.
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, ethnicities, experiences, and areas of expertise.
Knowledge of current forensic social work best practices.
Effective verbal and written advocacy skills.
Supervisory and leadership skills and the ability to both provide and receive intentional and constructive feedback in group settings and one-on-one.
As a member of the leadership team, offer and exchange ideas in meetings with peers and direct reports with diplomacy.
Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language speaker is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in evaluating current social work practices and developing new protocols and strategies.
Provide professional, supportive, equitable, and culturally conscious direct supervision of social workers.
Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with supervisees to evaluate workload, monitor referrals, and conference cases.
Assign cases and coordinate monthly social worker on-call schedules.
Schedule regular team meetings for social workers to support and learn from each other and presenters.
Monitor compliance with Legal Server, the office’s internal case management system.
Review, provide constructive feedback, and workshop supervisees’ written and oral advocacy.
Foster collaboration and regular communication between team members, including attorneys and social workers.
Implement and ensure maintenance of NYCDS’ best practices, including promoting in-person client meetings with incarcerated clients.
Maintain a positive and professional work environment.
Carry a limited caseload when appropriate.
Collaborate with the NYCDS Training Director to implement social work onboarding and address professional development needs.
Identify national and local training opportunities for unit members and ensure attendance as needed or mandated.
Collaborate with the social work supervisor in overseeing NYCDS re-entry services, including criminal court re-entry services and discharge planning.
May be responsible for recordkeeping and reporting for relevant re-entry grants.
Assist with training new attorneys and advocates in identifying client issues, trauma-informed interviewing, and making appropriate referrals.
Provide coverage for the co-supervisor and team when needed.