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Position Title: Social Worker II (Mitigation Track)

Salary: $65,000.00 per year

How to Apply:

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.

Minimum Requirements:
  • A Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited university.

Desired Qualifications:

  • A certificate in Community, Organization, and Social Action (COSA) or similar certificate, or
  • Certified Forensic Social Worker (CFSW) certification, or
  • Licensed Master Social Worker certification.

Applicants are required to submit a 5-page maximum writing sample. The sample should be representative of the field. Examples include, but are not limited to, life history reports, biopsychosocial assessment, case study/conceptualization, professional writing samples, and/or essay excerpts. The sample should incorporate social work theoretical framework(s) and case theory, keeping in mind the values and ethics that guide social workers. Must be 21 years of age or older. Act 33/34 Clearances are required prior to appointment.

Applicants must possess a current, valid PA driver’s license at time of appointment, and maintain throughout employment.

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.

Position Summary:

The Office of the Public Defender Social Worker II will work collaboratively with staff attorneys to advocate for reduced sentences or other alternatives to incarceration for clients. The Social Worker II will work with clients and staff attorneys to develop mitigating information and sentencing memoranda to present information regarding clients’ needs. The Social Worker II will correspond with resource agencies in which client is involved to create and maintain reports on client progression. The Social Worker II will assist in maintaining a database of community resources available to promote client success. The Social Worker II will not provide direct treatment services but rather will provide assessments and referrals to community resources.

Overview:


Duties:

  • Meets with clients in the office, community and in carceral settings, such as detention centers, county jails, and state prisons.
  • Finds or develops mitigating information through interviews.
  • Assists with obtaining and analyzing client records.
  • Assists attorneys in locating and communicating with medical or mental health experts.
  • Writes or assists the staff attorneys in writing sentencing memoranda and/or mitigation reports.
  • Performs research and monitors progression of client’s involvement with social services throughout the pendency of their case(s)
  • Appears in court to provide testimony as necessary.
  • Performs related duties as requested. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • 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.
Skill in:

  • Microsoft Office Suite. 
Ability to:

  • 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, as well as colleagues.
  • 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. 
Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D


Apply Online