Mitigation Specialist, Adolescent Intervention and Diversion Program (AID)

The Legal Aid Society • New York, NY

13h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Aid Society's Criminal Defense Practice has an opening for a Mitigation Specialist in the Brooklyn office of the Adolescent Intervention and Diversion Program (AID). This program works with adolescents aged 13-18 charged as adults in criminal and Supreme Court. These clients often have experienced significant trauma, including neglect, abuse, poverty, educational disruptions, mental illness, substance abuse, physical illness, and developmental/intellectual disabilities. These experiences impact their functioning and provide mitigating circumstances crucial for defense advocacy. The Mitigation Specialist collaborates with an assigned AID attorney to develop strategies that combine legal and therapeutic approaches to mitigate cases and address the client's individual needs. Key aspects of the role include participating in intake processes, hearings, and providing oral and written advocacy. The specialist will interact with clients, families, school personnel, service providers, and community members, and will be instrumental in advocating for the removal of cases to family court.

Requirements

• An MSW degree and New York State (NYS) certification in social work (LMSW or LCSW). Proof of NYS Social Work License must be provided before final decision of employment
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience
• Strong interest in and experience working with adolescent clients and family members with special needs (mental illness, chemical addiction, intellectual/developmental disabilities, histories of family fracture and trauma)
• Familiarity with diagnostic residential centers, residential treatment centers, day treatment programs, and specialized schools that serve adolescents
• Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys, and Correctional Personnel
• Ability to negotiate with community-based organizations to increase client access to supportive services
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage a diverse caseload and prioritize tasks
• Proficient in using Microsoft 365, Excel, One Drive, PowerPoint
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Interview clients, and complete psychosocial and risk assessments using validated instruments
• Provide crisis intervention, brief treatment, or short-term counseling to adolescents and their families
• Identify and interview collateral sources (family members, friends, teachers, social workers, community members, etc.)
• Assess a client's readiness for treatment and/or programming and make appropriate referrals for mental health, family interventions, ATIs, drug programs, violence interrupters, etc.
• Develop relationships with school partners to support educational advocacy efforts (records request/review, IEP planning meetings, suspension hearings, school transfers, alternative education programs, etc.)
• Provide written and/or oral support in Supreme Court for Intake, EC Motions for removal to family court, pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memoranda, and bail applications
• Help clients, families and caregivers navigate the child welfare system (ACS) and the NYC Department of Education
• Make home visits and attend meetings at schools, jails, and detention centers
• Testify in court
• Gather and analyze data to evaluate the impact of social work services
• Conduct training for LAS staff, social work interns, treatment providers, and criminal justice personnel
• Participate in the development and ongoing practice of specialty court parts
• Act as an expert social work consultant to stakeholders regarding court advocacy, law reform, and re-entry
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• health insurance
• paid vacation
• disability
• life insurance
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• State and Federal loan forgiveness programs
• New York state assistance for loan repayments (for NY residents, depending on years of practice)

What This Job Offers

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