Job Description

Overview Job Title: Summer 2026 Social Work Internship Department: Criminal Defense Practice Location: Harlem, New York Reports To: Rebecca Calabrese Position Type: Temporary - Summer Internship Union Status: Non-Union FLSA Status: Not applicable About NDS Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) is a national nonprofit public defense organization that pioneered the holistic defense model more than 30 years ago. Founded in Harlem, NDS centers clients, communities, and interdisciplinary advocacy. It operates community‑based offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Detroit, and Hays County, Texas, supported by a unified national infrastructure that allows local teams to deliver high‑quality, responsive representation rooted in the communities they serve. Across all locations, NDS provides client‑centered legal representation through interdisciplinary teams composed of attorneys, investigators, social workers, client advocates, and team administrators. The approach emphasizes early and ongoing engagement with clients—before arrest where possible, throughout the life of a case, and beyond case resolution—while addressing the legal, social, and systemic challenges that impact long‑term stability. Core Purpose of the Role The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, Criminal Defense Practice seeks students interested in Social Work or currently enrolled in a BSW or MSW program, looking for experience during this summer. This unpaid internship begins on June 2, 2026 and ends August 7, 2026. It is hybrid: the first week is in person, followed by remote work. Responsibilities & Qualifications Obtain and analyze client records. Work closely with the Social Work team to advocate for reduced sentences and alternatives to incarceration. Escort clients to treatment programs from court. Research 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. Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, social justice, and the Harlem community. Strong organizational skills, high energy, patience, and teamwork ability. Bilingual applicants are encouraged. Compensation This is an UNPAID internship (USD $0.00/yr). Equal Opportunity Statement 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‑confirming, and gender fluid people to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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