Court Social Worker - Center for Alternative

Job Summary:

CASES is looking for a Court Social Worker that will play a critical role in assessing and supporting individuals involved in the legal system. The Court Social Worker’s primary responsibilities will include reviewing participants' needs through comprehensive assessments of their arrest cases, criminal histories, and health records. Court Social Worker will conduct screening interviews, explaining the CASES program, and utilize risk assessment tools such as the HCR-20 v3 and START assessments for both adults and adolescents.

Court Social Worker works closely with individuals in various settings—including incarceration, community, and Forensic Psychiatric Centers—managing crises to ensure participant safety. Court Social Worker expertise will help you develop detailed reports and individualized Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program plans that comply with assessment requirements, advocating effectively with prosecutors and judges for participant disposition.

Salary: The salary for the Court Social Worker is $65,000 per year.

Shift Hours: The Court Social Worker is full-time working Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Location Address: 215 East 161 Street Bronx, NY 10451

Workplace Flexibility:On-site - for roles that are 100% in-office/in-person.

What you will be doing:

• Review preliminary information about a participant’s needs, including arrest case information, criminal legal history, medical and mental health records, and attorney recommendations.
• Undertake screening interviews with potential participants by explaining the process and the CASES program(s), administering a comprehensive assessment, and conduct risk assessments utilizing the HCR-20 v3 and the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) adult and adolescent versions.
• Conduct screening and assessment of individuals incarcerated, in the community, and at Forensic Psychiatric Centers and be able to effectively manage crises to ensure participant safety and well-being.
• Develop comprehensive reports following interview and records review to develop individualized ATI program plans, in compliance with ATI assessment requirements and quality standards, to advocate with prosecutors and judges on behalf of participants to approve ATI disposition.
• Maintain excellent professional relationships with judges, district attorneys, defense counsel, probation, other court partners, and CASES community staff, to facilitate program admissions and maintain the credibility of CASES in court.
• Complete all necessary intake paperwork, including entering participant information into the ECM/AWARDS databases.
• Participate in clinical supervision, case review meetings, staff meetings, in-service training programs, relevant quality improvement, coaching, and planning activities.
• Provide culturally competent services ensuring the consideration of the role of ethnic/racial, cultural, social, economic, and behavioral factors in the accessibility, availability, and delivery of evaluation services.
• Mentor less experienced colleagues in the intricacies of Court procedures, and CASES programs, especially eligibility and clinical criteria
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

What we are looking for:

• Master’s degree in social work or human service field required.
• NYS licensure.
• Highly articulate, resourceful, and professional – able to stand up in court and present detailed information.
• Proven ability to function effectively in a high paced and stressful environment.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of participants and staff.
• Interest in, and sensitivity to, issues facing justice-involved individuals.
• Ability to quickly gather and evaluate the accuracy of information and use good judgement within time constraints and high-volume courtrooms.
• Excellent public speaking skills. Ability to formulate persuasive arguments for eligible defendants to be placed in CASES programs.
• Excellent analytical and written skills
• Ability to work autonomously.

Employee Benefits:

CASES cares about employee wellbeing, and we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Vacation and Paid Time Off – starting at 25 days
• 12 Paid Holidays per year.
• Retirement 403(b) Competitive matching up to 6%.
• Employee Referral Program

Although we would love to learn about the skills of every candidate, only selected candidates that are selected will receive a response. We encourage you to apply for any position(s) you feel you are qualified for.

CASES is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with CASES is based solely on qualifications and competence for a particular position without regard to race, color, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or marital, military, or citizenship status. We also actively recruit individuals with prior involvement in the criminal legal system.