Division/Unit: Witness Aid Services Unit

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Position Title: Counselor

Salary Range: $65,058 - $65,058

Position Summary:
The New York County District Attorney’s Office has an opening for a Counselor in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU). In this position the Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and therapeutic services to assist crime victims, witnesses, and their families. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and court support. Services will be provided in different office locations such as, the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office and/or the Washington Heights Office.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments.
• Conduct crisis intervention interviews and assist with safety planning.
• Provide victim support and court accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process. Act as a liaison between victims, families, and Assistant District Attorneys and provide case status information.
• Follow up contact with victims to monitor their connection to services.
• Ability to interact effectively with victims, witnesses, families, law enforcement officers and criminal justice personnel.
• Assist with a range of direct services such as crime victim compensation applications, emergency shelter placements; partner with DANY Advocates for additional concrete services.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to assist crime victims and facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies.
• Maintain accurate up to date case files as well as maintain statistics.
• Will rotate and sit different office locations including the Downtown Office, Harlem Office and Washington Heights when assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Master’s degree in Social Work and License.
• Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and License.
• New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Spanish bilingual skills.
• ASL proficiency a plus
• SIFI certified/eligible a plus.
• Experience working with domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Familiarity with the crime victims and/or criminal justice system.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Excellent engagement, crisis intervention, and assessment skills.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment. 

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Shifts could vary between, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm.
• Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
• Looking for candidates that could commit to one (1) year to the hiring unit.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.