Social Worker, CDP, Queens Office
Social Worker, CDP, Queens Office
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$ 80000 - 89000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks Social Workers to join the Criminal Defense Practice in the Queens Office.
BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal family immigration and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years BDS has worked in and out of court to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.
BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse complex and multi-faceted legal 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 for housing public benefits education and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent their families and communities.
The Criminal Defense Practice represents and protects the legal rights of people who are arrested and are facing both misdemeanors and felony cases in Brooklyn and Queens Supreme and Criminal Courts. Our staff consists of attorneys social workers investigators paralegals and administrative professionals. BDS seeks an energetic social worker to become an integral part of the team to advocate for clients both in and out of court.
Responsibilities
- Partner collaboratively with attorneys and other experts to provide comprehensive legal representation and determine case strategy for clients facing criminal charges.
- Responsible for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines ensuring timely action and intervention.
- Advocate orally for clients in court.
- Produce mitigation reports on clients behalf.
- Conduct psychosocial assessments develop service plans and refer clients for services.
- Communicate with external service providers about client needs.
- Conduct visits to incarcerated individuals.
- Provide crisis intervention when needed.
- Maintain case notes and documentation in electronic database.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or masters degree in Social Work (MSW) and eligible to become licensed within six months of starting the position.
- Experience working in criminal court and forensic settings strongly preferred.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of the defense team in a client-centered practice.
- Ability to write detailed and persuasive reports that include mitigation as part of the pre-pleading and post-conviction phase of the clients case.
- Knowledge of the psychological behavioral and neurological conditions set forth in the DSM-5 as well as understanding of intergenerational and complex traumas.
- Strong clinical assessment crisis intervention and client advocacy skills
- Excellent writing interpersonal analytical and organizational skills.
Position Information
This is an exempt salaried position in the collective bargaining agreement. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. The position is based at BDS offices and the courts located in Queens with jail and home visits as needed.
Salary for this position is based on the experience of the applicant and ranges from approximately $80000-$89000 BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. To support work/life balance and family-friendly policies BDS has generous vacation sick holiday family and medical leave policies.
Application Instructions
Click Apply Now to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by August 29 2025.
Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidatesof 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 @ .
Employment Type
Full-Time
