Department: Public Defender Office
Sub-Department: N/A
Pay Grade: 111
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full Time - Temporary
Reports to: Deputy Public Defender
Supervises: N/A
This job posting will be utilized to hire two (2) Social Workers.
These two (2) Social Worker positions are grant funded for a period of one (1) year with the possibility of extension.
These two (2) Social Worker positions will have the option for a hybrid work schedule after an initial six (6) months of successful work performance.
Job Summary:
The Social Worker will assist the attorneys in the Public Defender Office (PDO) with gathering client information that may mitigate or otherwise impact a clients' criminal case(s). Such information may include family history, work history, and other life history, including mental illness/IDD, drug and alcohol issues, trauma, housing, employment, physical health and disability, and/or chronic poverty. The Social Worker will present this information to the assigned attorney in support of a resolution of the clients' case(s). The Social Worker will also assess the needs of clients and assist clients by making referrals to appropriate services.
Essential Job Functions:
Under the general oversight of the Public Defender, and their direct supervisor, the Social Worker is responsible for working at the direction of the assigned attorney in criminal proceedings to identify and address the social service needs of PDO clients, including, but not limited to:
- Interviewing clients;
- Identifying and obtaining appropriate services based on the client's stated needs. Such services may include but are not limited to access to housing, appropriate mental health and medical services, employment and educational opportunities and other services and supports;
- Making contact with client's attorney prior to any contact with client and making necessary accommodations to include the attorney in meetings if requested by the attorney;
- Work with attorneys to coordinate client cases and advocacy, including providing to the attorney a mini-psychological-social work up on the client, assisting in communication between attorney and client when necessary, preparing correspondence, reports, and memorandum suitable for use in a court, obtaining necessary records, and relating all case information to the attorney;
- Establishing and developing relationships with community services and potential supports, including, but not limited to, the local mental health authority, law enforcement, community supervision, the housing authority, adult education services, and community leaders;
- Establishing and developing relationships with supports identified by the client, including, if appropriate, the client's immediate and extended family as well as friends, mentors and other supporters;
- Appearing in court with clients and monitoring progress of clients throughout the pendency of their case(s);
- Collaborating and coordinating with jail staff to ensure client needs are addressed;
- Participating in outreach;
- Assisting in data collection and analysis; and
- Performing other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
- Master's degree in Social Work preferred (but not required) from an accredited college or university.