Social Worker, Immigration

Brooklyn Defender Services•Brooklyn, NY

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Social Worker to join our Immigration Practice. BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living below the poverty level in Brooklyn. BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities. BDS’s Immigration Practice is a collaborative team of over 70 staff who represent people in detained and non-detained removal proceedings as well as complex applications before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Social Worker will provide clinical social work support and advocacy to clients in removal proceedings and affirmative remedy applications.

Requirements

New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or a master’s degree in Social Work and willing and eligible to become licensed within six months of starting the position.
At least two years of immigration-related professional social work experience preferred.
Strong clinical assessment skills.
Strong writing skills.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues on an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to take responsibility for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action and intervention.
Proficiency in Microsoft programs including Outlook and Word.

Nice To Haves

Social workers fluent in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Partner with an interdisciplinary team on immigration cases and contribute to case strategy for clients in removal proceedings as well as affirmative remedy applications.
Provide both written and oral advocacy for clients.
Conduct clinical assessments of client needs, develop service plans, and refer to appropriate resources.
Communicate with outside providers about clients' needs.
Evaluate eligibility for public benefits and insurance and support clients in the application process.
Provide crisis intervention when needed.
Visit and communicate with clients in detention facilities, many of whom are experiencing prolonged and indefinite detention.
Meet with clients in the community and accompany to appointments when needed and appropriate.
Appear in immigration court when needed.
Maintain case notes and case documentation in electronic case management and document management systems.
Navigate a caseload where deadlines are scheduled or re-scheduled on short notice.
Additional duties as assigned.