Trauma-Informed Care Specialist in New York City, New York at Osborne Association Inc

The Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal legal system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from the harm they have suffered, repair damage they have endured, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation.

At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor every individual’s capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.

The Care Specialist delivers intensive, trauma-informed support to CAS clients with active criminal cases, both in detention and in the community. Care Specialists assess client needs, develop individualized care plans, provide supportive counseling, and connect clients to essential resources, including treatment programs, housing support, and employment support, throughout their legal case. Care Specialists also support clients’ families who are experiencing stress related to clients’ court involvement. By working closely with clients and their families, Care Specialists aim to improve clients’ indicators of psychosocial functioning and promote consistent engagement with services that enhance defense advocacy and improve case outcomes.

This hybrid role requires frequent in-person client meetings in the community, detention centers, and court, with flexibility for remote and office work otherwise. Hybrid schedules are subject to change with or without notice.

Care Specialists with LMSWs who are interested in pursuing clinical social work licensure will receive clinical supervision from an LCSW.

This position requires clearance by the New York City Department of Correction. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction (DOC) clearance to work on Rikers Island and/or other applicable facilities operated by the Department of Correction.

Salary: $70,000-$73,000 annually

Essential Duties:

• Review intake assessments and administer additional assessments with attention to trauma history and its impact on current functioning and well-being.
• Create client-centered care plans collaboratively with clients based on their assessed needs and capacity.
• Provide trauma-informed support to help clients process experiences, manage stress, and build healthier coping strategies.
• Collaborate with Mitigation Specialists and defense counsel without duplicating services to align services with legal strategy.
• Refer clients with high levels of care needs to community resources (mental health, substance use, employment) and act as liaison with service providers.
• Meet with clients in the community, in court, and in detention to provide various types of support based on clients’ individualized needs and treatment plans.
• Attend court appearances with clients to offer support and counseling as needed.
• Monitor clients’ progress, provide coaching, and adjust services as needs evolve.
• Document participation and outcomes to support advocacy and reports.
• Support clients’ families experiencing stress related to court involvement.
• Orient clients to program objectives and provide ongoing encouragement and accountability.
• provide updates on client progress to Mitigation Specialists to inform service plans, work products, and advocacy.
• Deliver therapeutic assistance processing the court case outcome, continued support to address trauma, and external referrals for services to meet any remaining long-term needs.
• Ensure a warm handoff to any external service providers before closing the case.
• Maintain confidentiality, ethical standards, and accurate documentation in case management systems.
• Uphold dignity, respect, and cultural competence in all interactions.
• In person attendance is required to collaborate with others.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (LMSW preferred), Counseling, Psychology, Behavioral Health, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience in case management or counseling, preferably within criminal justice, social services, or behavioral health settings.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, mental illness, and substance use.
• Knowledge of criminal legal system processes and courts.
• Strong preference for candidates who are bilingual (Spanish-speaking) and/or have lived experience within the criminal legal system.

Key Competencies:

• Apply knowledge around trauma and its impacts to engagement, planning, and advocacy.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage individualized service plans.
• Partner effectively with attorneys, staff, and internal and external service providers.
• Balance caseloads, effectively manage client-focused and administrative priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Build trust, motivate participation, and sustain supportive relationships with clients and, as needed, their families.
• Use existing knowledge of familiarity with community resources and the criminal legal system.
• Consistently demonstrate commitment to alternatives to incarceration and client dignity.

Benefits of Working at Osborne

Generous benefits include four weeks of vacation, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedule, excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, and a 403(b) plan with a company match. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans.

The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Be sure to include a cover letter with your application. No phone calls please. We wish we could personally respond to each application. However, we are unable to do so due to the volume of interest received.

** Salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.