OVS; Off of Victim Serv; Social Worker

Social Worker Position

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.

Responsibilities:

• 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 positive client outcomes.
• Conduct outreach, community education, and training on victim services, trauma-informed care, available resources, and social work services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records in compliance with agency policies and OVS requirements.
• Assist with OVS reporting, documentation, and grant-related requirements.
• Educate clients about available crime victim services, resources, and support programs.
• Support clients and families affected by crime in achieving safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.
• Identify gaps in services and help develop partnerships to better meet client needs throughout the Hudson Valley.

Qualifications:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited school of social work.
• Minimum of two years of experience providing case management, client advocacy, counseling, or related social work services.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma, domestic violence, crime victimization, mental health conditions, poverty, disability, substance use disorders, or other systemic barriers.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and advancing equity for historically marginalized low-income communities.
• Strong interpersonal, assessment, advocacy, and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Access to a car/valid drivers license required
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload while working independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, community partners, government agencies, and service providers.

Preferred:

• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken by clients in the communities we serve.
• Valid and current LMSW or LCSW in the state of NY
• Knowledge of legal policies,…