Mitigation Specialist, MICA

This Mitigation Specialist position partners with the MICA attorney and the Mental Health attorney to provide comprehensive services to clients primarily diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders. The role works closely with criminal defense attorneys specialized in mental health law to assess, treat, and advocate for clients facing 730 exams, develop dispositional and re‑entry plans for those being released from state mental health facilities, and establish collaborative alliances with institutional, judicial, and governmental entities. The specialist also offers transitional and crisis counseling. As part of the legal team, the Mitigation Specialist helps clients navigate legal and social service systems, creates case plans to address identified needs, and provides crisis counseling and intervention. Responsibilities include cultivating and maintaining relationships with treatment providers, government entities, and stakeholders; staying current on trends and best practices in mental health and substance use.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Interview and assess clients within the court system, performing a thorough bio‑psycho‑social assessment and providing crisis intervention, brief treatment, or short‑term counseling as needed. Identify and interview collateral sources such as family, friends, teachers, social workers, and community members. Request, review, and analyze life history records (e.g., school, medical, psychiatric) and expert reports to document arguments in written reports. Collaborate with attorneys to develop treatment plans, alternative sentencing plans, and courtroom advocacy. Assess client readiness for treatment and make referrals to supportive housing, mental‑health counseling, medication management, educational and vocational programs, and other community supports. Testify in court. Work with outside agencies (OPWDD, ACT teams) to assist with clients’ restorative care. Accompany attorneys to hospital arraignments to support clients. Conduct training for LAS staff, social‑work interns, treatment providers, and criminal‑justice personnel. Participate in the development and ongoing practice of mental‑health, treatment, and veteran courts. Serve as an expert social‑work consultant to stakeholders in the criminal‑legal system and community providers regarding court advocacy, law reform, and re‑entry.

QUALIFICATIONS

A MSW degree and NYS certification in social work (LMSW or LCSW). Minimum three years of relevant experience. Strong diagnostic skills with experience working with clients who have mental illness, intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, histories of substance use, and special needs such as MICA and physical illnesses and disabilities. Ability to interface with judges, district attorneys, and correctional personnel. Ability to negotiate with community‑based treatment centers. Ability to write persuasively. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Strong computer skills and ability to work within a team model.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range represents a good‑faith estimate of the pay for this role. The actual salary will vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as the collective‑bargained salary steps for unionized positions. This position qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and may be eligible for state loan‑repayment assistance for New York residents. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

EEO STATEMENT

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, The Legal Aid Society prohibits discriminatory actions against employees and applicants based on race, color, size, religion, alienage or citizenship status, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, family structure, genetic information, military status, domestic‑violence status, arrest or pre‑employment record, credit history, unemployment status, caregiver status, salary history, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LOCATION

Bronx – Criminal Defense Practice Office #J-18808-Ljbffr RadNet, Inc.