OVS; Off of Victim Serv; Social Worker

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Professional Poughkeepsie, NY, US

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

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.

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.

• 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…