Social Worker, Mental Health

Position Summary

The Social Worker serves as the supervisor of IJLA’s Client Services Division and provides clinical and case management support to people who have been wrongfully convicted or unjustly sentenced, preparing them for release and supporting them after release.

• Meet with incarcerated clients pre‑release to begin building a relationship, evaluate needs (mental health, substance use, medical, etc.), and develop a plan for support both pre‑ and post‑release. This may include trauma assessments and bio‑psycho‑social evaluations. Gather and evaluate information relating to employment history and barriers to employment, housing, physical functioning, mental and behavioral well‑being, and capacity for independent living.
• Prepare for release:
  Depending on individual circumstances, work on securing housing, clothing, documentation, benefits, medical care, and other needs of the person; depending on the posture of their case, prepare sentencing/release advocacy memoranda, and testify in court or before the parole board as needed.
• Make referrals to agencies and other providers of medical/dental, mental health, counseling, behavioral health, educational and employment services as needed.
• Upon release, schedule client appointments, arrange transportation to appointments and advocate at all stages to successfully obtain needed services.
• Develop ongoing service treatment plans as needed and monitor client progress toward delineated objectives.
• Identify and provide effective, trauma‑informed, acute crisis responses for our clients and their impacted family members. This may include referring clients to community resources and providers once crisis has been temporarily stabilized.
• Work closely with families, friends and others in clients’ support networks.
• Develop effective working relationships with external partners such as other re‑entry organizations and community mental health providers.
• Prepare reports to IJLA’s board of directors and funders, document client needs and status, and testify in court as needed. Maintain a detailed record of client data, services provided and outcomes. Prepare narrative and statistical reports.
• Represent IJLA on external committees when appropriate and participate in community outreach activities.
• Supervise all aspects of the Client Services Division and maintain accurate, complete records and case‑management notes.
• Responsible for managing and supervising all staff members of the Client Services Division (client advocate, peer mentor and social work fellow).

In addition to the above duties, the Social Worker will assist as necessary with other aspects of IJLA’s work such as fundraising, public education and advocacy, special events, policy efforts, and office administration.

• Must be a LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent.
• At least three years of case management and/or direct clinical work.
• Familiarity navigating federal and Louisiana systems relevant to the role.
• Skilled in crisis assessment and de‑escalation.
• Ability to work in a team and receive and provide constructive feedback.
• Ability to effectively delegate to and supervise members of the Division.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong oral advocacy skills.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills.
• The ability to communicate and work cooperatively with a wide range of people, including government personnel and officials, law enforcement, attorneys, records custodians, students, incarcerated individuals and their families, and other members of the community.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel and to work on weekends and evenings as necessary.
• Computer literacy, including experience using common office software such as Microsoft Office Suite. Database management experience.

• Existing ties to Louisiana.
• Knowledge/experience concerning:
  • Louisiana’s criminal legal system.
  • Impact of race in the criminal legal system.
  • Mass incarceration.

The salary for this position is $69,000 - $78,000 commensurate with applicant’s experience. IJLA offers a very competitive benefits package including medical/dental coverage, 30 days of paid vacation, 401(k) match, and observation of federal holidays. The office is closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

I JLA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce reflective of the diverse communities we serve and support, with regard to race, culture, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, and caregiver status. IJLA works to advance racial justice and equity. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and legal system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.