Court Based Social Worker - NYCJA : Job Details

Are you a Licensed Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor who is interested in providing support in arraignment court for potential clients eligible for Supervised Release?

Are you an experienced professional who is interested in helping us implement a more focused strength-based and community-engaged approach?

Join our team of mental health and social work professionals seeking to improve the experience of justice involved individuals in the NYC Courts!

ABOUT CJA

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City's main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 arrested annually in New York City.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program screens targeted defendants for release at criminal court arraignment, subject to specific conditions including maintaining contact with the program, participating in an assessment process to identify needs such as substance use and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests.

This is a great professional development opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional or developmental challenges, who have criminal court involvement.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Court Based Social Worker is a licensed social worker or mental health counselor. They work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary team of social workers and court representatives stationed in the courthouse to contribute clinical experience and knowledge and assist in appropriately advocating for participants with behavioral health needs, especially those that might be in crisis.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Function collaboratively on an interdisciplinary team of Social Workers, Court Representatives and Peer Specialists to assist in appropriately screening and advocating for participants with behavioral health needs.
• Work collaboratively with clients, attorneys, judges and other court stakeholders to facilitate release into the Supervised Release Program.
• Support clients who are at high risk of recidivism and/or failure-to-appear in court.
• Utilize problem-solving techniques and motivational interviewing as part of the pretrial supervision and case management process.
• Begin a mobile intake assessment to gather information and explain program supervision conditions to newly released participants.
• Initiate necessary referrals directly from arraignment or other court parts as needed.
• Communicate and collaborate with defense attorneys and other court partners regarding program expectations and compliance.
• Collaborate closely with community programs to ensure that referrals and court mandates are translated into programming.
• Be present at court appearances to relay compliance information.
• Ensure the timely flow of information and documentation to meet program goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work or mental health counseling; LMSW or LMHC is required within 6 months of start date.
• 3+ years of related experience working with court-involved populations of diverse age ranges.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system procedures and ability to communicate this knowledge to justice-involved individuals.
• Familiarity with Alternative to Detention (ATD) or Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) program models.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, and experiences:

• Knowledge of treatment programs and other support services for referrals.
• Experience working with the homeless and/or unstably housed population.
• Ability to follow workflow procedures and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, writing and time management skills.
• Ability to utilize active-listening skills and exercise sound judgement.
• Computer literacy with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice techniques.
• Experience documenting client progress in a customized Case Management System.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the 5 boroughs, as needed.

Preferred qualifications

• LCSW/LMSW/LMHC

CJA VALUES

• Commitment: We are committed to being active partners in criminal justice reform.
• Fairness: We are guided by fairness and the presumption of innocence for those who are detained.
• Innovation: We value curiosity as a driving force to lead the way in pretrial services.

HOURS: 9AM-5PM, Sunday-Thursday (Friday and Saturday off); 9AM-5PM, Tuesday through Saturday (Sunday and Monday off); 5PM-1AM, Tuesday through Saturday (Sunday and Monday off)

SALARY: $80,355.60 annually plus night differential if assigned to a shift that starts after 5 pm.

*Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to apply.

BENEFITS : CJA offers a generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan, four weeks' vacation, paid holidays and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.

Note : This role is 100% in person. Terms and conditions are subject to change based on business needs and public health guidelines.

Only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.