Social Worker, Eviction Diversion Initiative (Suffolk County)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Eviction Diversion Initiative's (EDI) mission is to ensure tenants and their families can access the holistic resources needed to prevent eviction and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. EDI connects litigants to rental assistance and ongoing subsidies, legal services, public benefits, mental health support, employment resources, financial empowerment services, and community-based organizations, while working closely with court partners to identify challenges and improve access to justice. 

EDI seeks a Social Worker in Suffolk County. Reporting to the Suffolk EDI Project Manager, the Social Worker will provide short-term clinical interventions, crisis support, and ongoing care coordination, while collaborating closely with Navigators, court partners, and community service providers. The EDI Social Worker is responsible for providing clinical support to tenants facing eviction, with particular attention to individuals experiencing complex trauma, mental health challenges, and other acute challenges related to housing instability. EDI recognizes eviction and housing insecurity as traumatic events and seeks to implement trauma-informed, harm-reduction approaches that promote dignity, health, and long-term housing stability. 

Clinical Support:   

• Provide trauma-informed, strengths-based clinical support to tenants facing eviction, housing instability, or displacement; 
• Provide support around safety concerns, trauma history, and barriers to housing stability; 
• Deliver short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support;  
• Support individuals with complex needs (e.g., mental health challenges, substance use, histories of incarceration or homelessness) using harm-reduction, person-centered approaches; 
• Develop and implement individualized stabilization and support plans with clients and partners; and
• Support clients in navigating complex service systems, including appointment preparation, follow-up, and sustained engagement. 

Care Coordination/Collaboration:   

• Coordinate referrals to mental and behavioral health services and other providers; 
• Visit community-based providers to build strong referral partnerships for clients; 
• Develop and maintain updated database and network of resources to meet client needs; 
• Work with tenants, housing providers, and benefits administrators to support lease compliance, tenancy stabilization, and eviction prevention; 
• Collaborate with the EDI team, court partners, and service providers to integrate clinical insights into legal and housing strategies; and 
• Participate in case conferences, multidisciplinary meetings, and court-based problem-solving efforts; provide trauma-informed guidance to staff as needed;
• Participate in court-based operations and case consultations involving high-acuity or complex cases; and
• Maintain a caseload and provide consultation on clients with greater, more complex needs; 

Program Support & Administrative Duties:   

• Support implementation of trauma-informed policies and practices across Suffolk EDI operations;  
• Assist with development of tools, protocols, and trainings related to trauma-informed care and staff wellness; 
• Maintain timely, accurate documentation of assessments, services, referrals, and outcomes in case management systems; 
• Support data collection and reporting related to service utilization, housing outcomes, and client well-being; 
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, supervision, and case conferences; 
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, mandated reporting, and ethical standards; 
• Participate in supervision and professional development; and
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

• LMSW and a minimum of 1-2 years prior experience providing clinical or case management services to individuals experiencing housing instability, homelessness, serious mental health challenges, or trauma;
• Bilingual (especially in Spanish) a plus; 
• Demonstrated experience using trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and strengths-based approaches; 
• Knowledge of eviction prevention, housing court processes, and public benefits systems is a plus;  
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis intervention skills; 
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary, court-based, and community settings; 
• Comfort working in fast-paced environments with individuals experiencing acute stress or crisis; and 
• Commitment to equity, dignity, and the mission of the Center for Justice Innovation.  

Position Type: Full-time, Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Position Location: Suffolk County with occasional visits to community-based providers.  

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $58,200 - $65,000 and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.