Forensic Social Work Practice Supervisor

New York County Defender Services•New York, NY

About The Position

New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) is seeking a highly competent supervisor to co-supervise the forensic social work unit. NYCDS, established in 1997, provides high-quality criminal defense to vulnerable communities in New York City, integrating social services with legal representation. The forensic social work unit comprises social workers and client advocates who collaborate with various divisions, including Trial, Youth Advocacy, Re-entry, and Homicide/Major Crimes. The unit focuses on client-centered representation, conducting assessments, making referrals, drafting legal memoranda, and supporting attorneys throughout criminal cases. NYCDS utilizes a team-based model emphasizing interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making.

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.
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 from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of current forensic social work best practices.
Effective verbal and written advocacy skills.
Supervisory and leadership skills.
Ability to provide and receive intentional and constructive feedback.
Ability to offer and exchange ideas in meetings with diplomacy.
Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

LCSW strongly preferred
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 to evaluate workload, monitor referrals, and conference cases.
Assign cases and coordinate monthly social worker on-call schedules.
Schedule regular team meetings for peer support and learning.
Monitor compliance with the office’s internal case management system (Legal Server).
Review, provide constructive feedback, and workshop supervisees’ written and oral advocacy.
Foster collaboration and 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 Training Director on social work onboarding and professional development, identifying training opportunities.
Ensure new social workers attend necessary trainings.
Collaborate with the social work supervisor on re-entry services, including court services and discharge planning.
May be responsible for recordkeeping and reporting for re-entry grants.
Assist with training new attorneys and advocates on client issues, trauma-informed interviewing, and referrals.
Provide coverage for co-supervisor and team when needed.