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 III will work collaboratively with staff attorneys to provide crisis response and advocacy for clients represented by the office. Additionally, the Social Worker III will be responsible for providing immediate support to individuals experiencing acute emotional, psychological, or situational distress as well as de-escalation to situations requiring immediate response within the office.  The Social Worker III will act as a liaison with community partners who offer substance abuse programs, mental health services, and other community resources necessary to address underlying mental health issues, trauma, substance use, homelessness, and other factors contributing to crisis behavior. The Social Worker III will not provide direct treatment services outside of crisis intervention and de-escalation 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.
• Develops and maintain relationships with at-risk clients to mitigate self-harm and encourage participation in the legal process.
• Provides immediate crisis intervention and emotional support for client experiencing a crisis during their visit at The Office of the Public Defender.  
• Assists attorneys in locating and communicating with medical or mental health experts and exchanges relevant information.
• Appears in court to provide testimony as necessary.
• Develops and maintain relationships with community partners to be able to make appropriate recommendations of resources able to meet social service needs for clients in acute crisis.
• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, providing expertise on social, psychological, and systemic factors influencing clients' legal situations.
• Acts as a primary liaison with entities that are providing competency evaluation and reports on criminal responsibility.
• Develops and provide resources and trainings to help attorneys assist clients during crisis situations.
• ?Performs related duties as requested.

• Standard practices and procedures associated with the position of Social Worker.
• Community resources and services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, substance abuse issues, and mental health diagnoses.
• The services provided by the Office of the Public Defender and the criminal legal system.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• 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, as well as colleagues.
• Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records for client case files.
• Ability to work in high stress, emotionally charged environments with compassion and professionalism.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• ?Conduct motivational interviews.