Job Description

New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) is a nonprofit criminal defense law firm for the City and State of New York. What began in 1997 as a small but ambitious criminal defense firm has grown into the second largest criminal defense firm in Manhattan. The goal of NYCDS has always been to provide the highest quality criminal representation for those ensnared in the criminal justice system. A mission like this requires an unyielding desire to serve. With a staff of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative professionals, we strive to provide the greatest good for our clients which not only includes legal representation but also assisting clients with an array of social services. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website:

Job Overview: Through a client centered representation lens, the Social Work Unit is responsible for conducting client assessments, gathering relevant records, making referrals to treatment programs and social service providers, drafting pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memoranda and working with attorneys at various phases throughout the duration of the criminal case. The office employs a team-based client centered representation model that incorporates outstanding interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making. The Client Advocate will assist in all social work aspects of defense strategies. This is a two-year position (with the option to renew for a third year).


Responsibilities include:

• Making referrals to mental health and drug programs after interviewing clients and learning of their specific needs
• Corresponding with mental health and substance abuse programs regarding client referrals
• Obtaining program compliance letters for court personnel
• Requesting relevant records, including CHS and hospital records
• Drafting subpoenas
• Reviewing and summarizing medical records
• Escorting clients being released from jail to programs
• Attending and supporting clients in court appearances

Additional duties include:

• Performing weekly wellness checks on incarcerated clients
• Sending clothing/books, etc. to incarcerated clients or bringing items to court
• Conducting research related to mental health and substance abuse issues
• Corresponding with clients or family members to obtain case related information
• Researching and identifying out of city and language specific programming for clients
• Possibility of writing mitigation notes and other written advocacy with supervision

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree.
• Ideal candidates must possess the temperament to work on time sensitive and intense cases.
• Candidates should have excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Public defense social work experience and/or experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems.
• Spanish language speaker is a plus.

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• A commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the unit and the office at large.
• Strong engagement, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, ethnicities, experiences, and areas of expertise.
• Aptitude to meet stringent deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be proactive and resourceful, and remain calm under pressure.

Job Tags

Work experience placement, Work at office

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