The Legal Aid Society is hiring a Forensic Social Worker.
Responsibilities:
• Provide short-term crisis intervention and clinical assessments of immigrant youth and children represented by JRP
• Make social service referrals to developmentally appropriate mental health and substance use treatment services, facilitate admission to psychiatric hospital or detoxification, and help clients to access social networks and support to reduce isolation
• Provide educational advocacy and assist with school enrollment
• Assess eligibility and refer clients for specific benefits available to undocumented individuals and families
• Assist clients in obtaining health insurance where necessary
• Review psychiatric records
Education/Experience:
• An MSW degree and New York State license in social work (LMSW) preferred, or MSW degree and ability to obtain New York State LMSW within 6 months of hire
• Strong diagnostic skills with experience working with children and adolescent clients with the following special needs: special education, mental illness (MICA), physical illnesses and physical disabilities, intellectual and developmental delays, and clients with histories of childhood sexual and physical abuse, survivors of trafficking and other forms of violence and trauma, as well as with histories of substance use
• Ability to interface with court personnel, immigration judges, school personnel, and NYC Admin for Children’s Services (ACS)
• Ability to negotiate with community-based treatment providers and governmental agencies, including child welfare agencies, the Department of Education, HRA
• Ability to quickly develop treatment plans
Applications will be accepted through December 4, 2026. For more information or to apply, click here.
Check out these important resources for job seekers
The Social Work Career Guidebook: How to Land Your Ideal Job and Build a Legacy101 Things to Do with a Social Work Degree: Career Pathways Across Micro, Mezzo, and Macro PracticeDesigning Your Work Life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness at Work