THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM

Social Work Intern, Criminal Defense – Summer Internship

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, Criminal Defense Practice is looking for students who are interested in the Social Work field, or who are currently enrolled in a BSW or MSW program who are looking for more experience during this summer. This uncredited internship will give you the opportunity to work within a Public Defender’s Office under the direction of multiple qualified Social Workers. You will learn how social work is integrated into the criminal legal system, as well as gain skills and knowledge in the social work field. This internship is expected to start on June 2, 2025 and end August 8, 2025. It will be hybrid in person and remote.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM (NDS) is a community based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing criminal, civil, and family representation. NDS is accepting applications for the position of Social Worker with the Criminal Defense Practice.

The Criminal Defense Practice at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan who are charged with crimes and cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, investigators, social workers, client advocates, team administrators and interns. NDS also provides pre-arrest representation to clients under threat of arrest. NDS adheres to a client centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients.

This advocacy may include: 

• Obtaining records and analyzing records. 
• Work closely with Social Work team members to advocate for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration for clients. 
• Escorting clients to treatment programs from court. 
• Researching topics for written mitigation documents. 
• Make appropriate referrals to address clients’ social service needs (drug treatment, mental health treatment, housing and other benefits). 
• Assist clients in navigating New York City Social Service agencies. 
• Advocate on behalf of clients to social service agencies. 
• Update online databases of community-based organizations.

• Assist with digitizing and organizing paperwork. 

• Must possess a demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice issues and/or the Harlem communities.
• Must possess strong organizational skills
• Must possess a high level of organization, unlimited energy and patience, and the ability to work on a team.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Compensation:

This is an unpaid internship

How to Apply:

All interested applicants are REQUIRED to submit a COVER LETTER and RESUME. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

PDF files containing both Cover Letter and Resume are preferred.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For more information about NDS, please visit our website at www.NeighborhoodDefender.org.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At NDS we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply.