OVS (Office of Victim Services) - Social Worker

About Us

For more than 50 years, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) has been providing free, high-quality legal counsel in civil matters when basic human needs are at stake, including eviction and foreclosure prevention, domestic violence, disability, elder law, healthcare, consumer fraud, and more. Our services support almost 600,000 poor and low-income families and individuals who cannot afford an attorney in our seven-county service area. With the gap separating those who can and cannot afford legal representation widening each day, we work to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their ability to pay. As the only provider of comprehensive civil legal services in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan), LSHV is proud to have handled over 12,000 cases impacting nearly 30,000 household members, including 10,000 children last year. LSHV is made up of eleven offices and a dedicated and highly skilled staff of attorneys, paralegals, and administrative professionals.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley is dedicated to building a highly skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels supported to bring their authentic selves to work. We are committed to promoting equity for all, and we continuously review and strengthen our processes and practices to support our staff, clients and the communities we serve. Respect is a cornerstone of relationships among our staff.

Position Description

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley has an opening based in our Poughkeepsie, NY, office for a Social Worker to provide holistic, trauma-informed services as part of interdisciplinary legal team, funded through the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS). The Social Worker will join LSHV Social Work Unit and collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, advocates, state systems, community partners and other agencies across multiple practice areas including family law, immigration, public benefits, domestic violence, and mental health. The Social Worker will support clients achieve stability, reduce barriers to services and justice, promote self-determination, and improve legal and social outcomes while ensuring compliance with OVS grant requirements throughout LSHV’s mid-Hudson Valley service area.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments to identify client needs, barriers, strengths, risks, and goals.
• Provide case management, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, and trauma-informed support.
• Develop service plans with clients and work closely with attorneys, paralegals, advocates, and community partners to address client needs.
• Assist crime victims by applying for compensation and benefits through the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS).
• Help clients access public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, educational resources, immigration-related services, and other community supports.
• Advocate for clients with government agencies, healthcare providers, schools, housing providers, law enforcement, immigration agencies, and other service systems.
• Provide advocacy and accompaniment for court appearances, law enforcement interviews, immigration appointments, administrative hearings, medical appointments, and other meetings as needed.
• Support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, family violence, and other crimes through advocacy, service coordination, and crisis support.
• Complete psychosocial assessments, affidavits, service plans, and other documentation to support legal advocacy and client outcomes.
• Conduct home visits, community visits, and client accompaniments to assess needs, increase engagement, and support access to services.
• Provide referrals and connect clients to appropriate community resources and support services.
• Build and maintain relationships with victim service providers, healthcare organizations, mental health agencies, schools, housing programs, law enforcement agencies, and other community partners.
• Collaborate closely with attorneys, paralegals, advocates, OVS-funded providers, and community agencies to support coordinated services and positive client outcomes.
• Conduct outreach, community education, and training on victim services, trauma-informed care, available resources, and social work services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with agency policies and OVS requirements.
• Assist with OVS reporting, documentation, and grant-related requirements.
• Educate clients about available crime victim services, resources, and support programs.
• Support clients and families affected by crime in achieving safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.
• Identify gaps in services and help develop partnerships to better meet client needs throughout the Hudson Valley.

Qualifications:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited school of social work.
• Minimum of two years of experience providing case management, client advocacy, counseling, or related social work services.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, domestic violence, crime victimization, mental health conditions, poverty, disability, substance use disorders, or other systemic barriers.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and advancing equity for historically marginalized low-income communities.
• Strong interpersonal, assessment, advocacy, and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Access to a car/valid drivers license required
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload while working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, community partners, government agencies, and service providers.

Preferred:

• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by clients in the communities we serve.
• Valid and current LMSW or LCSW in the state of NY
• Knowledge of legal policies, procedures, and court systems
• Experience providing client advocacy related to housing and benefits
• Outstanding organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Excellent writing, communication, and oral presentation skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, research, and willingness to learn and adapt to new technology systems

Salary: $65,000 to $85,000, DOE, with excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverages, as well as a defined contribution to 403b, loan repayment assistance and paid parental leave. After a brief probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability coverages, as well as a defined contribution to 403b, loan repayment assistance and paid parental leave. After a brief probationary period, this position may permit work from home up to two days per week.