The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) has an opening for a Counselor in its Witness Aid Services Unit (WASU). In this position the Counselor will provide a full range of services to victims of crime who are men of color. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, community outreach, best practice development, and case support. Services will be provided in all office locations, including the main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Direct engagement with men of color victims, witnesses, and their families including explaining the criminal justice system, connecting them with services, conducting outreach and follow up calls; maintaining on-going contact to ensure they are receiving support and services.
- Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments.
- Provide crisis intervention, assist with emergency safety planning, and manage a caseload.
- Engage in case reviews with Supervisors and coordinate with WASU advocates on cases involving men of color.
- Develop and facilitate male-identified victim/witness of crime support groups.
- Act as liaison with victims and the assigned assistant district attorney throughout the criminal justice process.
- Assist with orders of protection, supporting depositions, and registration for notification of inmate release.
- Develop best practices and guidance materials for DANY on engaging men of color.
- Participate, as needed, in community outreach.
- Collaborate with outside agencies and facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies.
- Perform other duties as required.


In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, all candidates must possess the following:

- Master’s degree in Social Work and License.
- Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and License.
- New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC.
- Demonstrated experience supporting and working with men of color.


Preferred Requirements/Skills:

- Experience working with crime victims.
- Experience working with the criminal justice system.
- Proficiency developing and presenting on best practices in the social services sector.
- Experience working with justice-involved individuals.
- Familiarity working with domestic violence victims.
- Bilingual Spanish.
- American Sign Language (ASL).
- SIFI certified/eligible.
- Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings and weekends.
- Must be able to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to victim issues.
- Must be able to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be detail oriented, self-motivated and able to multi-task.
- Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication (oral and written) skills.


How To Apply:

- Apply with a Cover Letter & Resume.


Additional Information:

- Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current position and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
- Looking for candidates that could commit to one (1) year to the hiring unit.
- Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Qualification Requirements
1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.