Social Worker Lvl II, Correctional Health Services at NYC Health + Hospitals

Position Description

The Social Work Reentry Department, within the Division of Correctional Health Services (CHS), is seeking a Social Worker. The Department is comprised of 70+ healthcare professionals who are responsible for providing re-entry services to individuals detained in the NYC jail system. The Social Work Department supports patients’ rights and criminal-legal advocacy efforts in collaboration with patients’ criminal defense attorneys, Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs, and other post-release supervision providers. Additionally, our Social Workers coordinate closely with the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the NYC Department of Health & Mental Health (DOHMH) to provide robust services to our most vulnerable patients. This position reports to the Associate Director of Social Work Reentry and is responsible for collaborating with the Mental Health Service on assessing patients’ appropriate level of care post-release.

Detailed Tasks

1. Work as part of inter-disciplinary treatment team to provide clinically driven comprehensive discharge planning to mentally ill patients in a correctional environment.
2. Collaborate with mental health colleagues for appropriate level of mental health care.
3. Assess for appropriate level of reentry mental health services and establish referrals and appointments to community mental health providers.
4. Help patients obtain Medicaid, Public Assistance, and Supportive Housing.
5. Participate in therapy rounds, team meetings, unit activities, court/diversion advocacy, and group interventions.
6. Ensure completion of all Brad H (court monitored) related tasks/mandates for selected patients.
7. Coordinate care for patients releasing from jail environment to community or to other facilities including, but not limited to, residential treatment or outpatient treatment services.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness and those also involved in the Criminal-Legal System.
• Individual and group therapy practice experience.
• Knowledge of benefit entitlements, community-based mental health and substance use resources for the mentally ill, previously incarcerated patient population.

Job Benefits

The Social Work Reentry Department fosters opportunities for clinical hours, academic advancement, and professional growth. Moreover, Social Workers with CHS are eligible for the New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) pension, affordable health care benefits, and night-time differentials for staff working evening tours. CHS Social Workers are a part of the District Council 37 (DC37) Union, NYC’s largest public employee union.

Minimum Qualifications:

For Assignment to Level II

1. Valid license as an LMSW issued by the NYSED; or
2. Valid license as an LCSW issued by the NYSED.