The Bronx Defenders (BxD) – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a Master’s Level Social Worker with a commitment to social justice to join our Criminal Defense Practice (CDP) as a Social Worker.

Overview

BxD is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the justice system, and, in doing so, transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 300 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, all of whom collaborate to provide holistic legal and social service advocacy. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have pioneered a groundbreaking, nationally-recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for our clients.

Each year, we defend 27,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, child welfare, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic reform at the local, state, and national level. We take what we learn from the clients and communities that we serve, and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.

Responsibilities

Strategizing with lawyers and other advocates, CDP Social Workers at The Bronx Defenders assist clients with issues that precipitate and are exacerbated by contact with the criminal system. Social workers are responsible for conducting assessments, making referrals to treatment programs and social service providers, and working with attorneys throughout the duration of the criminal case.

Responsibilities of Criminal Defense Social Workers include but are not limited to:

Advocating for clients in Bronx Criminal Court and with community-based programs
Interviewing and assessing clients to identify strengths, resources, and needs
Informing Clients about the criminal court process and assisting them in overcoming barriers while navigating the system
De-escalating in moments of mental health crisis and conflict involving clients
Assisting clients and the legal team in identifying legal goals, strategizing to meet those goals, and assessing progress
Providing supportive counseling to clients while maintaining thoughtful and responsive communication with their loved ones
Connecting clients with a wide variety of social services and benefits while providing case management support and advocacy
Writing mitigation memoranda for judges and prosecutors utilizing psychosocial interviews of clients and collateral sources, medical and mental health records, and social science research
Visiting clients at NYC jail facilities and treatment programs
Cultivating relationships with community programs and social service providers

Qualifications

To be eligible, candidates must have:

M.S.W. from an accredited School of Social Work

Applicants must demonstrate:

commitment to working with people navigating the criminal legal system
Experience working in and with racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically marginalized and criminalized communities
Effective communication and active listening skills
Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers
Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
Meticulous attention to detail
Ability to exercise excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters
Ability to think critically and creatively in fast-paced settings
Ability to receive feedback constructively and reflect and shift behavior accordingly
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities, and experiences
Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level
Dedication to defending people ensnared in family, criminal, civil, and immigration legal systems
Commitment to fierce advocacy, and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of clients
Strong analytical skills and capacity to employ non-legal resources while advocating in their legal case
Effective verbal and written advocacy skills
Knowledge of substance use disorder, domestic violence, parenting, and mental health systems
Spanish language proficiency is a plus

Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 1-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $64,350 - $83,500. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy; and a professional development fund. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.