Reentry & Behavioral Support Social Worker (LMSW)

Help justice-involved adults build stability and brighter futures through trauma-informed counseling and reentry support at the YMCA.
Job Description

The YMCA of Yonkers is seeking a Reentry & Behavioral Support Social Worker (LMSW) to provide trauma-informed, participant-centered counseling, behavioral interventions, and individualized support through the newly established Reentry & Healing Hub, funded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).

Serving justice-involved adults ages 18 and older throughout Yonkers and Westchester County, this position helps participants overcome barriers to community reintegration, strengthen coping and decision-making skills, and achieve greater personal, social, and economic stability.

Reporting to the Director of Reentry & Healing Hub, the Social Worker will provide Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI), supportive counseling, psychosocial assessments, individualized service planning, case management, and community referrals.

As a founding member of the Reentry & Healing Hub team, the Social Worker will collaborate with Academic & Career Counselors, the Program Coordinator, Peer Support & Intake Specialist, and community partners to establish effective service delivery practices and ensure coordinated, participant-centered support.

Qualifications

- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) required.
- Current, valid New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license required.
- Minimum two years of relevant professional experience in social work, community-based services, behavioral support, case management, or related human services preferred.
- Experience working with justice-involved adults, individuals affected by trauma, or populations experiencing barriers to employment, housing, or community stability strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, supportive counseling, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, and strengths-based case management preferred.
- Experience facilitating structured groups, conducting psychosocial assessments, and developing individualized service plans preferred.
- Familiarity with criminal justice systems, community supervision, reentry programs, or alternatives-to-incarceration initiatives strongly preferred.
- Strong interpersonal communication, professional judgment, documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, establish professional boundaries, and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic case management or reporting systems.
- Ability to maintain professional licensure and complete all required program training.

Essential Functions

Participant Assessment & Individualized Service Planning

- Conduct participant interviews, psychosocial assessments, and structured screenings to identify reentry challenges, strengths, behavioral support needs, and available resources.
- Administer or support DCJS-approved risk and needs assessment tools, including ORAS where applicable, consistent with required training and program protocols.
- Develop Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) addressing employment, education, housing stability, behavioral development, and community reintegration.
- Monitor participant progress, document engagement, and adjust service plans based on individual needs and circumstances.
- Identify participants requiring specialized behavioral health services and coordinate referrals to qualified providers.

Trauma-Informed Counseling & Cognitive Behavioral Interventions

- Provide individual, trauma-informed supportive counseling focused on coping strategies, emotional regulation, problem-solving, motivation, healthy relationships, and community reintegration.
- Facilitate structured individual and group Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) using approved curricula and evidence-based practices.
- Support delivery of required CBI services in accordance with the approved DCJS work plan and individualized participant needs.
- Facilitate group discussions and educational activities addressing conflict resolution, stress management, communication, personal responsibility, and reentry challenges.
- Maintain professional boundaries and deliver services consistent with New York State LMSW scope-of-practice and supervision requirements.
- Coordinate referrals for psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluation, substance use treatment, or other specialized services when needs exceed the Hub's direct-service scope.

Case Management & Participant Support

- Provide individualized support to address barriers to program participation, service engagement, and achievement of reentry goals.
- Collaborate with Academic & Career Counselors to connect participants with education, vocational training, workforce readiness, and employment opportunities.
- Coordinate with the Peer Support & Intake Specialist to support participant engagement, retention, follow-up, and service transitions.
- Participate in case conferences, multidisciplinary team meetings, and monthly participant progress reviews.
- Connect participants with housing assistance, public benefits, healthcare, legal services, and other community resources.
- Promote participant self-determination, accountability, and strengths-based approaches.

Program Development, Documentation & DCJS Compliance

- Assist the Director in establishing assessment procedures, counseling protocols, group facilitation practices, and case management standards.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential participant records, including assessments, service plans, counseling notes, CBI attendance, referrals, and progress documentation.
- Document services and participant outcomes in accordance with YMCA policies, DCJS reporting requirements, and professional standards.
- Support approved program performance measures, including counseling sessions, CBI delivery, participant engagement, and service-plan outcomes.
- Participate in case reviews, program evaluations, continuous quality improvement activities, and required training.
- Complete DCJS training modules and maintain knowledge of trauma-informed practices and evidence-based behavioral interventions.

Community Collaboration & Professional Practice

- Build relationships with community organizations, probation and court partners, behavioral health providers, and referral resources.
- Coordinate participant services with partner organizations while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate consent practices.
- Participate in community meetings, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Identify service gaps and opportunities to improve access to supportive services.
- Support social work student learning or field activities only when appropriately qualified and authorized.

Organizational Responsibilities

- Follow YMCA policies, professional ethics, confidentiality requirements, and applicable DCJS contractual obligations.
- Participate in required staff meetings, training, quality improvement activities, and YMCA initiatives.
- Perform other related duties as assigned, consistent with professional licensure and position responsibilities.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Mission Advancement: Models the YMCA's core values and demonstrates a commitment to strengthening communities through compassionate, participant-centered services.

Collaboration: Builds positive relationships with participants, colleagues, and community partners. Communicates effectively and works collaboratively to coordinate services and achieve participant goals.

Operational Effectiveness: Maintains accurate documentation, manages assigned responsibilities, follows professional standards, and contributes to program outcomes and contractual compliance.

Personal Growth: Demonstrates self-awareness, professional integrity, cultural responsiveness, adaptability, and a commitment to continued learning and development.

Required Certifications

- Current, valid New York State Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license required.
- Must maintain professional licensure throughout employment.
- Must complete required DCJS and YMCA training.