Mitigation Specialist, MICA

The Legal Aid Society•New York, NY

13h

About The Position

This Mitigation Specialist position will partner with the MICA attorney and the Mental Health attorney providing comprehensive services to clients who are primarily diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders. While working closely with criminal defense attorneys specializing in mental health law, the Mitigation Specialist is responsible for providing assessment, treatment planning, referrals, case management, and in-court advocacy for clients facing 730 exams; developing dispositional and re-entry plans for clients being released from state mental health facilities; establishing and participating in collaborative alliances with various institutional, judicial and governmental entities; and providing transitional and crisis counseling to clients. As part of the legal team, the Mitigation Specialist also helps clients navigate through legal and social service systems and create case plans to address their identified needs. Additional responsibilities include treatment and reentry planning for clients who are incarcerated; oral and written advocacy in and out of court; conducting informational and training seminars; writing persuasive mitigation reports; serving as a consultant to attorneys and social workers; providing crisis counseling and intervention to clients. The Mitigation Specialist is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with treatment providers, government entities, and other stakeholders; and maintaining knowledge of current trends and best practices in areas of mental health and substance use.

Requirements

A MSW degree and NYS certification in social work (LMSW or LCSW).
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
Strong diagnostic skills with a background emphasis in working with clients with the following special needs: MICA, physical illnesses and disabilities, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, and histories of substance use.
Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys and Correctional Personnel
Ability to negotiate with community-based treatment centers.
Ability to write persuasively.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Strong computer skills.
Ability to work within a team model.

Responsibilities

Interview and assess clients within the court system, performing a thorough bio-psycho-social assessment. During this process, crisis intervention, brief treatment, or short-term counseling may also be performed.
Identify and interview collateral sources of Collateral interviews are done with family members, friends, teachers, social workers, community members, and others connected to the client.
Request, review, and analyze life history records (i.e., school, medical, psychiatric) to document specific arguments within written reports as well as analyzing expert reports.
Develop treatment plans in conjunction with the MICA attorney, mental health attorney, and staff attorneys to develop alternative sentencing plans, provide advocacy in the courtroom.
Assess a client’s readiness for treatment, make referrals to supportive housing services (2010 E housing applications), mental health counseling, medication management services, educational and vocational programs, and any other supports to maintain stability in the community.
Testify in court
Working with outsides agencies (OPWDD, ACT teams) to assist with clients’ restorative care.
Accompanying MICA/ mental health attorney to Hospital Arraignments to provide support for client.
Conduct training for LAS staff, social work interns, treatment providers, and criminal justice personnel.
Participate in the development and ongoing practice of mental health, treatment, and veteran court.
Act as an expert social work consultant to the stakeholders in the criminal legal system and community providers regarding court advocacy, law reform, and re-entry.