Description

Division/Unit: Witness Aid Services Unit

Job Title: Victim Services Counselor

Position Title: Counselor, Men of Color

Salary Range: $58,430 - $61,750

Position Summary:
The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Counselor in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU). In this position the Counselor will provide a full range of services to victims of crime who are men of color. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, community outreach, best practice development, and case support. Services will be provided in all office locations, including the main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Direct engagement with men of color victims, witnesses, and their families including explaining the criminal justice system, connecting them with services, conducting outreach and follow up calls; maintaining on-going contact to ensure they are receiving support and services.
• Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments.
• Provide crisis intervention, assist with emergency safety planning, and manage a caseload.
• Engage in case reviews with Supervisors and coordinate with WASU advocates on cases involving men of color.
• Develop and facilitate male-identified victim/witness of crime support groups.
• Act as liaison with victims and the assigned assistant district attorney throughout the criminal justice process.
• Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
• Develop best practices and guidance materials for DANY on engaging men of color.
• Participate, as needed, in community outreach.
• Collaborate with outside agencies and facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC.
• Demonstrated experience supporting and working with men of color required.
• Must be able to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to victim issues.
• Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and able to multi-task.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication (oral and written) skills required.
• Experience working with crime victims preferred.
• Experience working with the criminal justice system preferred.
• Proficiency developing and presenting on best practices in the social services sector preferred.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals a plus.
• Familiarity working with domestic violence victims a plus.

Educational Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Social Work and License required.
• Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and License required.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bilingual Spanish a plus.
• American Sign Language (ASL) a plus.
• SIFI certified/eligible a plus.
• One (1) year commitment to the hiring bureau.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings and weekends.

Commitment:

• One (1) year commitment to hiring bureau.

How To Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter & Resume.

Additional Information:

• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.
• As a current or prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. Please review the notice to see if you may be eligible for programs and how to apply at nyc.gov/studentloans.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.