Criminal Justice Mental Health Caseworker

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services is one of the nation’s leading correctional health care systems in quality of and innovations to care, and access from pre-arraignment through compassionate release. In-jail services include medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental and vision care, discharge planning, and reentry support. In addition to providing direct patient care in the jails, CHS leverages the resources of the nation’s largest municipal health care system to help discharged patients successfully return to their communities. CHS is also a pivotal partner in New York City’s criminal justice reform efforts.
Facility: EMTC at Rikers Island

The Social Work Reentry Department, within the Division of Correctional Health Services (CHS), is seeking a Social Worker. The Department is comprised of 70+ healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing re-entry services to individuals detained in the NYC jail system. The Social Work Department supports patients’ rights and criminal-legal advocacy efforts in collaboration with patients’ criminal defense attorneys, Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs, and other post-release supervision providers. Additionally, our Social Workers coordinate closely with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the NYC Department of Health & Mental Health (DOHMH) to provide robust services to our most vulnerable patients. This position reports to the Associate Director of Social Work Reentry and is responsible for collaborating with the Mental Health Service on assessing patients’ appropriate level of care post-release.
The Social Work Reentry Department fosters opportunities for clinical hours, academic advancement, and professional growth. Moreover, Social Workers with CHS are eligible for the New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) pension, affordable health care benefits, and night-time differentials for staff working evening tours. CHS Social Workers are a part of the District Council 37 (DC37) Union, NYC’s largest public employee union.

Collaborate with mental health colleagues for appropriate level of mental health care.
Assess for appropriate level of reentry mental health services and establish referrals and appointments to community mental health providers.
Help patients obtain Medicaid, Public Assistance, and Supportive Housing.
Participate in therapy rounds, team meetings, unit activities, court/diversion advocacy, and group interventions.
Coordinate care for patients releasing from jail environment to community or to other facilities including, but not limited to, residential treatment or outpatient treatment services.

Valid license and current registration to practice as Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED); Valid license and current registration to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).