Social Worker, Integrated Defense Practice

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. Our work with clients is focused on the intersection of the legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown people living below the poverty level in Brooklyn.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers, and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including housing, public benefits, education, and employment issues.

BDS seeks a social worker to be an integral part of the Integrated Defense Practice (IDP). IDP represents clients who have concurrent criminal and family court cases, primarily Article 10 and related proceedings. The Integrated team appears in the Criminal, Supreme, and Family Courts. The team of attorneys, social workers, and paralegals work closely together to provide comprehensive representation to parents by coordinating defenses in their criminal and family court proceedings to ensure the best outcomes for clients and their families. IDP addresses the complex legal issues, agency interactions, and multiple court entanglements that are presented in the cases where parents are both arrested and facing the loss of their children. In addition, the integrated team works on Early Defense in family court, which constitutes advising and representing parents before a case is filed, and hoping to avoid a Family Court filing altogether.

Under the direct supervision of the Integrated Defense Practice Supervisor, the Social Worker is an integral part of the Integrated Defense team to advocate both in and out of court for clients facing child welfare allegations in their criminal proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Partner with an interdisciplinary team in providing comprehensive legal representation and determining case strategy for clients facing abuse or neglect allegations in Family Court, as well as having a case in criminal court.

• Responsible for a case load of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action and intervention.

• Advocate for clients at the Administration for Children's Services (ACS) and foster care case conferences.

• Conduct assessments of client needs, develop service plans and refer clients for services as needed.

• Interview clients as well as family members and other individuals to write mitigation reports for clients’ criminal court cases.

• Provide ongoing support to clients as they navigate intersecting systems as well as crisis intervention when needed.

• Facilitate collaboration across health, welfare, and other systems that impact clients' well-being.

• Visit clients who are in detention as well as in their homes and the community.

• Maintain notes and documentation in electronic database.

• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or a master's degree in Social Work, and willing and eligible to become licensed within six months of starting the position.

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of the defense team in a client-centered practice.

• Strong clinical assessment skills as well as knowledge of the psychological, behavioral, and neurological conditions set forth in the DSM-5 and an understanding of intergenerational and complex traumas.

• Excellent writing, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.

• Flexibility and ability to respond to crises as they arise required.

• Applicants who speak a second language are encouraged to apply

Position Information 

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm with occasional need for external visits/meetings outside those hours. The position is based primarily at the BDS offices and courts located in Downtown Brooklyn, with visits to detention, home visits, and other locations as needed.

BDS determines salary on a pay scale based on education and experience. For this position, the salary range is $80,000-$109,000 based on a collective bargaining agreement. BDS offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. To support a work-life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS offers generous vacation, sick leave, holiday, family leave, and medical leave policies.

Application Instructions    

Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.   We recommend you submit your application by July 12, 2026.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R., Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.