LGBTQ Defense Project Social Worker/Client Advocate

The Bronx Defenders (BxD) – an innovative, progressive, holistic legal defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate advocate to join our LGBTQ Defense Project as the LGBTQ Defense Project Social Worker or Client Advocate

The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low-income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. BxD seeks thoughtful, creative, energetic individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we represent.

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, child welfare, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels. We take what we learn from the people we represent and communities that we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.

The LGBTQ Defense Project

The LGBTQ Defense Project is a dedicated team of advocates representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in legal matters. Our advocates have specialized expertise fighting on behalf of members of the LGBTQ community. Every day, low-income LGBTQ community members are at high and disproportionate risk of system involvement and victims to injustices as they navigate those systems. The LGBTQ Defense Project works creatively, zealously, and compassionately to ensure meaningful access to justice and secure better outcomes for the people we represent. We provide the support needed to establish stability in the people we represent lives, challenge ill treatment of LGBTQ people within the legal systems, and help people seek redress for state-backed violence and discrimination.

Responsibilities

Working closely with attorneys in the LGBTQ Defense Project, the LGBTQ Defense Social Worker or Client Advocate will assist with a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, assisting in the representation of LGBTQ clients; working on policy and advocacy; and providing training and technical assistance internally and externally. The Social Worker or Client Advocate will report to the LGBTQ Defense Project’s Supervising Attorney.

• Assist in legal representation of the people we represent who are LGBTQ-identified in cases and advocacy across all practice areas, including criminal defense, prisoners’ rights, immigration, family court, and civil matters, by assisting with name changes and gender marker changes
• Conduct interviews with incarcerated and non-incarcerated people in the process of their representation
• Work collaboratively on an-interdisciplinary holistic defense team with lawyers, advocates and clients to identify and achieve their stated goals
• Conduct video conferences and regular in person visits to Rikers Island, and other New York City and New York State correctional facilities and immigration detention centers to meet with incarcerated people
• Liaise with the team of attorneys, advocates, and detention facilities to address LGBTQ-rights concerns
• Collaborate with attorneys and advocates in other BXD practices, such as Policy, Organizing, and Impact Litigation on LGBTQ-rights related issues
• Deliver oral and written testimony at public hearings regarding issues the people we represent navigate
• Assist in representing BXD at external stakeholder meetings and coalitions
• Assist in maintaining systems of data collection to capture the LGBTQ Defense Project’s work and impact
• Assist in development and facilitation of internal and external trainings and presentations related to The LGBTQ Defense Project’s work and mission
• Identify creative ways to offer support and technical assistance to external agencies and service providers working with LGBTQ people
• Engage in community outreach across NYC to inform community members about BxD’s services and projects and to develop relationships with service providers that can assist the people we represent and provide culturally conscious and effective services
• Support The LGBTQ Defense Project initiatives related to policy, communications, legislation, organizing, and system change advocacy

Additional Responsibilities for Social Work Candidates

• Interview, build a relationship with, and inform the people we represent to identify strengths, challenges, needs and resources
• Provide supportive counseling to the people we represent while maintaining thoughtful and responsive communication with their loved ones
• De-escalate in moments of mental health crisis with the people we represent
• Connect the people we represent with a wide variety of social services and benefits
• Provide case management support and advocacy
• Prepare clients for court-related assessments
• Interpret external court-related assessments of our clients
• Provide crisis intervention for the people we represent

Qualifications

To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate:

• Dedication to directly defending people ensnared in criminal, civil, family and immigration legal systems
• Experience working with LGBTQ people who are racially, ethnically and/or socioeconomically marginalized
• Understanding of the systematic oppression LGBTQ people experiences in legal systems
• Demonstrated interest in promoting cultural competency within organizations and institutions
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from various backgrounds, identities and experiences
• Effective organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask effectively and work well under pressure while adhering to stringent deadlines
• Ability to think critically and creatively in fast-paced settings, finding innovative solutions to unique obstacles
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of lawyers and non-lawyers 
• Strong verbal and written advocacy skills
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection, and shift behavior accordingly
• Good judgment in zealous advocacy and willingness to strategically challenge authority in defense of clients
• Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level

Desirable Qualifications, But Not Required

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and OneDrive
• Fluency or high-level proficiency in Spanish

Additional Qualifications for Social Workers

To be eligible as a Social Worker, candidates must have:

·      Masters in Social Work (M.S.W.) from an accredited School of Social Work

This is a hybrid position that will require in-person work and contact with staff and community members. As of October 29, 2021, all city-funded employees with any potential of in-person contact with clients, community members or staff are required to show proof of full vaccination. You can find more details regarding this mandate here. Please let us know if this presents an issue.

Salary is commensurate with experience. For the Client Advocate Position, candidates with 1-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $50,310 to $65,000. For the Social Worker Position, candidates with 1-10 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $64,350-$83,500.

Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy; and a professional development fund. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.

Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders' staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is within the bargaining unit.