Attorneys for Children Unit

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo seeks to provide access to justice and due process to the most vulnerable individuals, children and families in the Western New York Community through quality legal representation and assistance.

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo is seeking a full-time social worker in our Attorneys for Children Unit. The primary responsibility of the social worker is to assist AFC attorneys as part of an interdisciplinary team in providing representation to children in a variety of civil litigation and related activities in the area of Family, Child Welfare and Juvenile Law. The position will initially focus predominantly on juvenile re-entry in juvenile justice matters.

 Examples of duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Interview and evaluate clients, witnesses and any other person with factual information related to the client and/or the client’s needs or objectives. 

• Perform field investigations, if necessary, in professional judgment, to prepare for case, including home visits. 

• Review and/or obtain histories, service plans, agency, medical or school records and clinical assessments. 

• Prepare written reports, including, where appropriate, recommendations based on specialized assessments of the clients’ needs or wishes. 

• Consult and confer with caseworkers, service providers, educators, representatives of other agencies, probation officers or any other collateral individual as required. 

• Work collaboratively with AFC attorneys to develop recommendations for the Court. 

• Maintain accurate case records. 

• Attend court proceedings and provide testimony, as required. 

• Attend meetings, reviews, conferences or other functions at various locations, as required. 

• Communicate in person, by telephone, e-mail, fax or by mail with clients, other agencies, attorneys, court and other public officials, other staff and persons with whom the unit staff interacts, and the general public; take and give telephone messages; and answer questions and/or make referrals as appropriate. 

• Maintain offices files, as required by unit 

Requirements: Graduation from an accredited university or college with a Master’s degree in Social Work and one year experience providing social casework services. Must possess NYS Driver’s License and have a registered vehicle available for use during work hours. Must be familiar with Family Court procedures and County Social Service Programs. 

This position is full-time. 

Starting salary: $62,419. 

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available to you and your dependents.  In addition, we offer generous vacation, personal, and sick time.  Other benefits available to you are long-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, a flexible spending account, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

 Many of our staff apply for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

 The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity 

Please send your cover letter, at least three references, resume, and writing sample to  [email protected] or The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., Attention: Human Resources, 290 Main Street, Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14202. 

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.