Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York (PLS) is searching for a Re-entry Social Worker for PREP, our Pre-Release & Re-Entry Program,  located in our regional office in Buffalo, New York.

PREP is a holistic program staffed by licensed Social Workers  who help incarcerated persons serving their maximum sentence develop the psychological and practical skills necessary for successful re-entry into their communities.  Assisting clients with concrete services is equally prioritized. Re-Entry Plans are developed together with each client, modified as needed, and utilized to guide goal-setting and nurture personal accountability.  Re-Entry SWs work with  clients for a period of three (3) years post-release to provide therapeutic support and identify and address biopsychosocial barriers to successful re-entry. PREP is the only re-entry program in New York State  that provides combined individual and concrete re-entry planning services by licensed mental health professionals, followed by three years of post-release support and advocacy.

The position of Reentry Social Worker requires a trauma-informed practitioner with strong assessment, interviewing and engagement skills and the ability to develop and implement creative, non-traditional treatment plans that are appropriate to clients’ individual needs. The Social Worker must possess the ability to work with clients with various types and degrees of mental illness diagnoses and those with intellectual and cognitive limitations.  The position requires  the ability to become deeply familiar with the services available in the assigned re-entry catchment area and the ability to initiate and foster positive, collaborative relationships with local agencies and the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. This position requires  state-wide travel to prisons for client visits. Mitigation experience and Spanish fluency is preferred.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.

Applicants must possess their MSW degree OR be a 2023 MSW candidate.  All applicants who are hired must obtain their LMSW within one (1) year of their hiring date. Clinical supervision towards LCSW licensure is provided.

PLS  offers a competitive salary and sets salaries depending on experience and offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and a 401(k) Retirement Plan.  PLS’ Prep Social Workers engage in  weekly clinical supervision with the PREP Coordinator, which can be used towards obtaining LCSW licensure.  All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. PLS requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless an exemption is approved.

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and at least three (3) references by email to:

 Jill Marie Nolan, LCSW, PREP Coordinator: jnolan@plsny.org.  Due to the volume of applications expected, only people who are contacted for interviews will receive a response. The positions will remain open until filled.