Court Based Social Worker
$85,249–$85,249 year
On-siteQueens, New York, United States
Job Summary
Court Based Social Worker (Licensed Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor) sought to join the Queens Criminal Court Supervised Release Program within the NYC Criminal Justice Agency. The role involves working on a multidisciplinary team stationed in the courthouse to screen, advocate for, and coordinate services for participants with behavioral health needs, particularly those at risk or in crisis. Responsibilities include conducting intake assessments, employing motivational interviewing and evidence-based practices (including CBT/DBT), coordinating referrals (substance use, mental health, housing, education), communicating with defense attorneys and court partners, and ensuring program monitoring and documentation alongside Intensive Case Management to support high-risk individuals and those at risk of non-appearance. Requires collaboration with attorneys, judges, and community programs; travel is not indicated. The position emphasizes face-to-face court-based engagement, adherence to program supervision conditions, and timely information flow to relevant staff. Preferred qualifications include LCSW/LMSW/LMHC and bilingual (Spanish) abilities; internal candidates must meet tenure requirements. Location specified: Kew Gardens, Queens; hours 5PM-1AM, Sunday–Thursday; 100% in-person role with comprehensive benefits and salary details noted.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in social work or mental health counseling; LMSW or LMHC is required within 6 months of start date.
- 3+ years of related experience working with court-involved populations of diverse age ranges who present a wide variety of needs including mental health, substance abuse, education, or family or socio-economic challenges.
- Knowledge of criminal justice system procedures and ability to communicate this knowledge to justice-involved individuals (bail procedures, court appearances, etc.).
- Familiarity with the Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models.
- The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, and experiences:
- Knowledge of treatment programs (substance use, mental health, co-occurring disorders, etc.) and other support services (GED, job training, adolescent development, etc.) for referrals.
- Experience working with the homeless and/or unstably housed population and familiarity with housing programs and related community resources to assist participants facing housing instability.
- Ability to follow workflow procedures and ability to work in fast paced environment
- Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and time management skills.
- Ability to utilize active-listening skills, exercise sound judgement, problem-solve and be detail-oriented.
- Computer literacy with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology.
- Knowledge of evidence-based practice techniques including, but not limited to, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and DBT.
- Experience documenting client progress in a customized Case Management System.
- (English/Spanish), a plus.
- Internal candidates should be in good standing with the agency when applying and in their positions for 1 year.
Desired Qualifications
- Bi-lingual (Spanish speaking) preferred
- Commitment: We are committed to being active partners in criminal justice reform through initiatives and creative problem-solving that evaluates different methods and strategies for alternatives to detention.
- Fairness: We are guided by fairness and the presumption of innocence for those who are detained and work with integrity and without bias to protect the privacy and interest of court-involved people and their families.
- Innovation: We value curiosity as a driving force to lead the way in pretrial services. We use innovative techniques in research, pilot programs, and engaging justice-involved communities to execute our mission of reducing unnecessary pretrial detention.
- Multiple positions available
- LOCATION: Kew Gardens, Queens
- 5PM-1AM, Sunday – Thursday (Friday and Saturday off)
- SALARY: $85,249 annually plus night differential if assigned to a shift that starts after 5 pm.
- *Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days)
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