Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

The Office of the Public Defender Social Worker I will act as a liaison with community partners who offer substance abuse programs, mental health services, and other community resources necessary for clients to be able to participate equitably in the criminal legal process. The Social Worker I will make sure attorneys are up to date on client’s progression through connected resources. The Social Worker I will maintain a database of community resources available to promote client success. The Social Worker will not provide direct treatment services but rather will provide assessments and referrals to community resources.

• Assess individual clients for ongoing need for services, advocate for client access to resources, make appropriate referrals, and follow up to ensure needs are being addressed.
• Meets with clients in the office, community and a carceral setting, such as detention centers, county jails, and state prisons.
• Researches and recommends alternatives to incarceration.
• Develops and maintain relationships with community partners for social service needs of clients; (drug treatment, mental health treatment, jobs training, housing, and others).
• Assists attorneys in locating and communicating with medical or mental health experts and exchanges relevant information.
• Develops resources and trainings for office staff.
• Develops and maintain resource maps to make available to clients; develops resources to assist clients in navigating social service resources.
• Assists in data collection and analysis.
• Performs related duties as requested.

• Standard practices and procedures associated with the position of Social Worker.
• Community resources and services.
• The services provided by the Office of the Public Defender and the criminal legal system.
• DSM-V.

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Work as part of a client-centered, interdisciplinary defense team by establishing and maintaining relationships with clients and their families, court personnel, treatment providers, and experts.
• Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for client case files.
• Review, interpret, and summarize client records, including but not limited to, IEPs, education, medical, and psychological records.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Conduct motivational interviews.