Social Worker

JOB FUNCTION The City Bar Justice Center (CBJC) seeks a New York-licensed social worker to assist on a part-time basis 15-20 hours weekly for CBJC’s Social Work Program (SWP), an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed client support structure for CBJC’s dozen civil legal services projects. In collaboration with CBJC’s Senior Social Worker and senior leadership, this role helps ensure the SWP provides holistic support for clients’ non-legal needs as well as interdisciplinary assistance to CBJC legal teams. CBJC annually provides high-quality, free civil legal services benefiting over 27,000 New Yorkers. CBJC works with the New York City Bar Association and many partners to support clinics and client matter work drawn from CBJC’s dozen civil legal services projects. RESPONSIBILITIES Support the CBJC Social Work Program’s delivery of holistic and trauma-informed client services while providing interdisciplinary assistance to CBJC’s legal function. Maintain an appropriate and sustainable caseload of CBJC legal services clients, coordinating with legal teams to provide clients with crisis intervention, appropriate human and social services referrals (e.g., for shelter, medical and mental health care, public assistance), short-term counseling, and service plans and safety/risk management assessments where needed. Advocate on behalf of clients for public entitlements and other resources with systems and agencies where applicable, and facilitate linkages for clients to access care and other services. Occasionally facilitate psychosocial education for clients to learn to assess/attend to their needs. Collaborate with legal teams to assess client management and placement practices (including with pro bono volunteers); support challenging client intake/interview and case narration needs; assist staff with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation; help legal teams reflect on trauma-informed client interaction skills; and, where applicable, create affidavits and provide other support for clients’ legal cases. Collaborate with the senior social worker and CBJC leadership to sustain a best-practices program: track, manage, and assign client referrals; oversee SWP data management and reporting; develop and maintain SWP community and educational partnerships; support the SWP student practicum program (interviewing students for practicum placement, onboarding and training, supervising up to 6 interns, and overseeing process recordings, learning plans, evaluations, and site visits with field advisors). Facilitate holistic client services best practices by providing trainings to legal team staff and volunteers and offering individual and small group support to promote informed responses to mental health needs and the dynamics of trauma, abuse, sexual assault, and related topics. Participate in and occasionally facilitate staff meetings, external community and partnership meetings, and relevant trainings and seminars. Perform various other duties and projects to be determined in collaboration with supervisor. EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS Minimum two years as a New York-licensed LMSW or LCSW. Completed Seminar Training Field Instruction (SIFI), or ability to complete SIFI concurrently while supervising MSW students participating in CBJC’s social work practicum. Minimum of two years of client advocacy experience, including crisis management and intervention, experience working with individuals with varied mental health needs, and experience facilitating linkages to other providers and navigating local, state, and federal systems for those of limited means (NYC/NYS experience strongly preferred). Experience working in a legal or interdisciplinary setting is a plus, but not required. Strong clinical and case management skills with ability to support crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation; understanding of self-represented litigants’ risks; ability to assist staff with crisis intervention and client support. Knowledge of victimization dynamics and varied treatment modalities. Ability to navigate medical, legal, and social service systems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; workshop facilitation and group work skills a plus. Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively. Interest in supporting legal services within a courthouse setting. Strong computer skills across multiple platforms, databases, and applications. Demonstrated enthusiasm for public interest work and serving under-resourced communities that have experienced trauma. Bilingual English/Spanish highly preferred. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to sponsor visas for this role. This role requires substantial in-office presence, with some remote work, and start as soon as possible. Compensation: $40 - $50 hourly. This is a part-time position for a minimum of 15 and a maximum of up to 20 hours per week based on program needs. To apply: qualified applicants should submit a resume. A cover letter detailing your interest is optional but highly encouraged. Finalists will be asked to submit three professional references. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. CBJC is an equal employment opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, and other protected characteristics. The organization will make reasonable accommodations under applicable laws. #LI-Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr