NEW YORK COUNTY DEFENDER SERVICES Forensic Social Worker Salary in the United States

New York County Defender Services, a Public Defender office in Manhattan, seeks a highly competent individual to work within the forensic social work unit.  Qualified applicants must be able to conduct in-depth interviews and write biopsychosocial evaluations and reports for attorneys, district attorneys and judges.   Ideal candidate must possess strong engagement, assessment and writing skills; the ability to encapsulate and transform client histories into persuasive and cogent arguments is essential.  Additionally, optimal candidate must possess the temperament to work collaboratively on intense cases.  

Job Overview: The Forensic Social Worker is responsible for assisting all NYCDS attorneys in assessing client social and psychological needs as well as preparing the necessary documentation to support attorney requests during client plea negotiations.   Our mission is to provide superior legal representation of our clients.   The social work unit assists in this mission and in helping NYCDS meet all of its contractual obligations to The City of New York. 

The job duties include:

·     Conducting and writing biopsychosocial assessments.  Interviews may include family members and others related to the case. 

·     Conducting and writing pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memorandums         

·     Advocate for clients (i.e.: Judge’s chamber conferences, Bench conferences, ADA meetings) 

·     Handle large caseload with quick turn-around times

·     Client referrals and other services 

·     Going to court and correctional facilities to meet with clients

·     Accompany attorneys to Court to present information to Judges and ADA’s, interacting with Court personnel  

·     Periodically, assist with or provide testimony in criminal/mental health court hearings and school suspension hearings 

Job requirements:  Licensed Masters Social Work Degree or LMSW exam must be taken within six months of employment. Strong engagement, interpersonal, assessment, communication and analytical skills. Aptitude to meet stringent deadlines. Ability to work in a fast paced environment, be proactive and resourceful, and remain calm under pressure. Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Spanish language speaker is a plus.  Must work well and communicate with fellow colleagues and NYCDS management.  

If interested, please e-mail cover letter, resume, salary requirements and two writing samples.