New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) is a nonprofit criminal defense law firm for the City and State of New York. What began in 1997 as a small but ambitious criminal defense firm has grown into the second largest criminal defense firm in Manhattan handling over 20,000 cases per year. The goal of NYCDS has always been to provide the highest quality criminal representation for those ensnared in the criminal justice system. A mission like this requires an unyielding desire to serve. With a staff of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff, we strive to provide the greatest good for our clients which not only includes legal representation but also assisting clients with an array of social services. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: .
Job Overview: Through a client centered representation lens, the social work unit is responsible for conducting client assessments, making referrals to treatment programs and social service providers, drafting pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memoranda and working with attorneys at various phases throughout the duration of the criminal case. The office employs a team-based client centered representation model that incorporates outstanding interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making.
Essential Job Duties:

• Visiting correctional facilities, including Rikers Island, to meet and build relationships with clients;
• Conducting trauma-informed interviews and biopsychosocial assessments of clients.
• Interviewing collateral contacts, including family members and others related to the case;
• Conducting and writing pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memorandums;
• Advocate for clients in court with attorneys (i.e.: Judge’s chamber conferences, Bench conferences, ADA meetings);
• Handling large caseload with quick turn-around times;
• Making appropriate social work and community referrals;
• Periodically, assist with or provide testimony in criminal/mental health court hearings and school suspension hearings

Qualifications:

• Licensed Masters Social Work Degree from an accredited Graduate School of Social Work or LMSW exam must be taken within six months of employment.
• Excellent persuasive writing skills or written communication skills
• Must possess a demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense and/or racial and social justice issues

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and expertise on the effects of trauma, substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses and family dynamics
• Public defense social work experience and/or experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems.
• Knowledge of current forensic social work best practices
• Spanish language speaker is a plus.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• A commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the unit and the office at large.
• Strong engagement, interpersonal, teaching, communication and analytical skills
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, ethnicities, experiences, and areas of expertise
• Aptitude to meet stringent deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be proactive and resourceful, and remain calm under pressure.

Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000 – Commiserate with Experience.
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