2026 Summer Social Work Intern - Criminal Defense Practice
About The Position
Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS was built to challenge the traditional public defense model by centering clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. Today, NDS operates community-based offices in Harlem; the Bronx; Detroit; and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high-quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve. Across all locations, NDS provides client-centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. Our approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long-term stability. NDS is committed to treating every client with dignity and respect and to advancing justice for individuals and communities that have been historically marginalized and over-policed. The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, Criminal Defense Practice is looking for students who are interested in the Social Work field, or who are currently enrolled in a BSW or MSW program who are looking for more experience during this summer. This unpaid internship will give you the opportunity to work within a Public Defender’s Office under the direction of multiple qualified Social Workers. You will learn how social work is integrated into the criminal legal system, as well as gain skills and knowledge of the social work field. This internship is expected to start on June 2, 2026 and end August 7, 2026. It will be hybrid in person and remote, with the first week being in person.
Requirements
- Must possess a demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice issues and/or the Harlem communities.
- Must possess strong organizational skills
- Must possess a high level of organization, unlimited energy and patience, and the ability to work on a team.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Obtaining records and analyzing records
- Work closely with Social Work team members to advocate for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration for clients
- Escorting clients to treatment programs from court
- Researching topics for written mitigation documents
- Make appropriate referrals to address clients’ social service needs (drug treatment, mental health treatment, housing and other benefits)
- Assist clients in navigating New York City Social Service agencies
- Advocate on behalf of clients to social service agencies.
- Update online databases of community-based organizations
- Assist with digitizing and organizing paperwork
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
