Trauma-Informed Care Specialist

Osborne Association Inc•City of Troy, NY

6d•$70,000 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation. At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination. We are currently seeking a Trauma Informed Care Specialist. The Care Specialist delivers intensive, trauma-informed support to CAS clients with active criminal cases, both in detention and in the community. Care Specialists assess client needs, develop individualized care plans, provide supportive counseling, and connect clients to essential resources, including treatment programs, housing support, and employment support, throughout their legal case. Care Specialists also support clients’ families who are experiencing stress related to clients’ court involvement. By working closely with clients and their families, Care Specialists aim to improve clients’ indicators of psychosocial functioning and promote consistent engagement with services that enhance defense advocacy and improve case outcomes. This hybrid role requires frequent in-person client meetings in the community, detention centers, and court, with flexibility for remote and office work otherwise. Hybrid schedules are subject to change with or without notice. Care Specialists with LMSWs who are interested in pursuing clinical social work licensure will receive clinical supervision from an LCSW. This position requires clearance by the New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) clearance to work in facilities operated by the Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work (LMSW preferred), Counseling, Psychology, Behavioral Health, or a related field.
At least two years of experience in case management or counseling, preferably within criminal justice, social services, or behavioral health settings.
Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, mental illness, and substance use.
Knowledge of criminal legal system processes and courts.
Apply knowledge around trauma and its impacts to engagement, planning, and advocacy.
Develop, coordinate, and manage individualized service plans.
Partner effectively with attorneys, staff, and internal and external service providers.
Balance caseloads, effectively manage client-focused and administrative priorities, and meet deadlines.
Build trust, motivate participation, and sustain supportive relationships with clients and, as needed, their families.
Use existing knowledge of familiarity with community resources and the criminal legal system.
Consistently demonstrate commitment to alternatives to incarceration and client dignity.
Clearance by the New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS). Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) clearance to work in facilities operated by the Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

Nice To Haves

LMSW preferred
Bilingual (Spanish-speaking)
Lived experience within the criminal legal system

Responsibilities

Review intake assessments and administer additional assessments with attention to trauma history and its impact on current functioning and well-being.
Create client-centered care plans collaboratively with clients based on their assessed needs and capacity.
Provide trauma-informed support to help clients process experiences, manage stress, and build healthier coping strategies.
Collaborate with Mitigation Specialists and defense counsel without duplicating services to align services with legal strategy.
Refer clients with high levels of care needs to community resources (mental health, substance use, employment) and act as liaison with service providers.
Meet with clients in the community, in court, and in detention to provide various types of support based on clients’ individualized needs and treatment plans.
Attend court appearances with clients to offer support and counseling as needed.
Monitor clients’ progress, provide coaching, and adjust services as needs evolve.
Document participation and outcomes to support advocacy and reports.
Support clients’ families experiencing stress related to court involvement.
Orient clients to program objectives and provide ongoing encouragement and accountability.
Provide updates on client progress to Mitigation Specialists to inform service plans, work products, and advocacy.
Deliver therapeutic assistance processing the court case outcome, continued support to address trauma, and external referrals for services to meet any remaining long-term needs.
Ensure a warm handoff to any external service providers before closing the case.
Maintain confidentiality, ethical standards, and accurate documentation in case management systems.
Uphold dignity, respect, and cultural competence in all interactions.
In person attendance is required to collaborate with others.
Perform other related duties as assigned.