Counselor at New York County District Attorney's Office in New York, New York

Job Description:

Job Description

Position Summary
The New York County District Attorney's Office has an opening for a Counselor in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU). In this position the Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and therapeutic services to assist crime victims, witnesses, and their families. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and court support. Services will be provided in different office locations such as, the Main Office downtown, the Harlem Office and/or the Washington Heights Office.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments.
• Conduct crisis intervention interviews and assist with safety planning.
• Provide victim support and court accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process. Act as a liaison between victims, families, and Assistant District Attorneys and provide case status information.
• Follow up contact with victims to monitor their connection to services.
• Ability to interact effectively with victims, witnesses, families, law enforcement officers and criminal justice personnel.
• Assist with a range of direct services such as crime victim compensation applications, emergency shelter placements, partner with DANY Advocates for additional concrete services.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to assist crime victims and facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies.
• Maintain accurate up to date case files as well as maintain statistics.
• Will rotate and sit different office locations including the Downtown Office, Harlem Office and Washington Heights when assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC
• Experience working with domestic violence, sexual assault preferred.
• Familiarity with the crime victims and/or criminal justice system preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Excellent engagement, crisis intervention, and assessment skills required.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.

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

• Written and oral Spanish, or Mandarin and or Cantonese fluency a plus.
• ASL proficiency 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

• Pursuant to the Mayor's Executive Order 75, as of August 2, 2021, all newly hired employees must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered employment with DANY, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved at the time of your on-boarding process.

• 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 serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office's support staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial, Investigation, and Appeals Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our support staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.About the Team

The Support Staff Recruitment Team at DANY supports the Office's initiatives to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. We seek employees that are interested in a career in the public sector and will support the Office's initiative of Moving Justice Forward.

For questions or inquiries, please contact Recruitment@dany.nyc.gov.