Social Worker (Entry Level)

About the Organization

The Children's Law Center (CLC) is a non-profit organization that represents children in custody, visitation, guardianship, paternity, family offense, and related child protective (abuse or neglect) proceedings in the Family Courts and the Integrated Domestic Violence Parts of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, and in appeals therefrom. CLC represents over 5,000 children annually in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, providing holistic and zealous representation and support in the Court, the community and the legislature.

The mission of CLC is to provide children with a strong and effective voice in legal proceedings. Through our work in the courtroom and the community, we empower our clients, reduce the negative impact of family dissolution and court involvement, and promote well-being for young people.

Description

Under the leadership of the Senior Social Work Manager, the social worker teams with CLC staff attorneys, paralegals and client services staff to provide outstanding case management services to CLC clients and families.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Attends meetings and/or meets with individuals in the community or home settings.
• Conduct assessments and make referrals.
• Assist attorneys in developing the social work position and advocacy needs of the case.
• Testify in court as needed.
• Provide regular updates to the attorney. Expect updates from the attorney on issues and changes in adjourn dates so that work and follow-up can be coordinated.
• Under regular social practices, maintain information for review by the Social Work Supervisor. Provide such information to the attorney as part of the attorney work product of the law firm.
• In consultation with the attorney on the case, assure that the needs and desires of clients are considered and met when possible.
• Maintain all social work files to acceptable professional and program standards.
• Attend supervision, team, and office-wide meetings.
• Assist in the implementation of special projects as needed.
• Emergency office and case coverage.
• Foster and maintain a positive team environment.
• Work to increase awareness of the CLC social work program in the larger social work community.
• Other appropriate duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications and Competencies:

• MSW degree; NYS License in Social Work or sitting for the test and in obtaining the license within 6 months of employment.
• Knowledge of family court particularly in the areas of custody, visitation, domestic violence and child welfare.
• The ideal candidates will have social work experience working with families and children
• Demonstrated ability to work independently demonstrating excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism while working in a collaborative team environment.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal), time management, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Persistent and meticulous attention to detail along with analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to work independently with excellent judgment, diplomacy, professionalism and able to prioritize requests, track and manage multiple requests simultaneously, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook including calendaring, tasks, etc.), Adobe, Internet searches and online resources.
• Ability to exercise complete discretion when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Interest in working with internal and external constituents, interns, students, and volunteers
• Proficiency in languages other than English preferred but not required