Social Work Supervisor, Homicide Unit
Brooklyn Defender ServicesBrooklyn Defender Services seeks a Social Work Supervisor to join the Homicide Unit in our Brooklyn offices.
BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities.
BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities.
The Homicide Unit is an interdisciplinary team consisting of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and administrative professionals. The Homicide Social Work Supervisor would work in tandem with the managers and staff of the team while being supervised by the Social Work Director for Criminal Defense.
Responsibilities
- Work with attorneys, paralegals, investigators and support staff in the unit as well as across BDS to assure the client is receiving the best representation and the resources that are available to them.
- Provide direct supervision to social workers and social work assistants in the Homicide Unit.
- Provide regular feedback and evaluate social work staff members both informally and formally through the evaluation process.
- Assign cases and monitor caseloads of supervisees.
- Review and edit all written advocacy before it is submitted to external partners.
- Monitor staff case files, notes and documentation on case management and document management systems, assuring information is properly recorded in accordance with professional responsibility rules and BDS’ policies.
- Ensure adequate client interaction and support including in-person visits on Rikers Island.
- Provide crisis intervention and respond to emergencies that arise.
- Maintain own reduced caseload as needed.
- Collaborate closely with the Managing Director to ensure team cohesion.
- Collaborate closely with other BDS social work supervisors in developing strategies for the agencywide social work team including assisting in planning and/or conducting trainings for social workers and attorneys.
- Attend staff, team and agency meetings as appropriate.
- Know and apply BDS policies and procedures, including personnel and office policies; serve as ADP supervisor.
- Promote a supportive team environment and proactively seek to create an equitable and inclusive work environment.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
- New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
- Five years experience working with clients who are involved in the criminal legal system.
- Experience working with incarcerated people.
- Prior social work supervisory experience.
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Knowledge of the psychological, behavioral and neurological diseases and disorders set forth in the DSM-5 as well as intergenerational and complex trauma.
- Willingness to be actively involved in case discussions and strategy with a team of attorneys, investigators and others working on the client’s case.
- Strong crisis intervention, safety planning and client advocacy skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment.
- SIFI Certified or willingness to obtain certification.
Position Information
This is an exempt, salaried position. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, however supervisors may receive phone calls or other urgent matters outside these hours from time to time. The position is based at BDS’s offices and the courts located in Jamaica, Queens, with jail and home visits as needed.
The salary range for this position is $125-$140,000 with the possibility of more for an applicant with ten plus years of experience. BDS offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 403(b)-retirement plan. To support work/life balance and family-friendly policies, BDS has generous vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.
Application Instructions
Click “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume on our online application portal. Please submit your application by 08/06/2026.
Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, Human Resources, Christina Wallace, at cwallace @ bds.org.