The Office of the Public Defender, Defender District 14, seeks a social worker to help individuals with active addictions, mental health diagnosis, and are in crisis. The job responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
-Work primarily with the attorneys in Abuse, Neglect, Dependency Court both in and out of Court to assist the clients with therapeutic management, relinquishments, housing, jobs, community resources, vocational rehabilitation, applying for disability, and linking the clients with services as requested by the Court or the Department of Social Services
-Meet with and counsel the clients in the office and while in custody
-Attend Child and Family Team (CFT) and Permanency Planning Review (PPR) meetings and discuss the family services and plan to prepare written reports
-Conduct home visits; attend home assessments; and attend visits with the clients
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
Knowledge: Candidate must have knowledge of the process used in the courtroom with active litigation and post litigation recommendations; knowledge of working with stakeholders of those engaged in the justice system from the standpoint of criminal, juvenile, and mental health; knowledge of the resources available to assist the clients in various situations.
Skills: Candidate must have skills with computers and word processing to prepare detailed written reports and to correspond appropriately with other stakeholders. Candidate must be empathetic, organized and self-motivated and must be a strong communicator to effectively interact with people of diverse backgrounds, as well as provide one on one counseling.
Ability: Candidate must have the ability to organize and manage the therapeutic needs of the clients and multi-task; make pertinent observations and analyze those observations to secure the relevant and necessary resources and services for the clients; provide clients with encouragement and one-on-one counseling; discuss the needs of the family with the service providers; maintain accurate written notes; prepare clients for court; work irregular hours in meeting the needs of the clients in active emergency crisis; effectuate your role as the social worker and inspire the confidence of the community in the Office of the Public Defender.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, preferably in the field of social work, criminal justice, psychology, or sociology, and one (1) year of experience in the field of social work. An Associate degree with three (3) years of experience in social work may substitute for the four-year college degree requirement. A Master of Social Work is preferred, but not required.
Experience: Other combinations of education and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Valid Driver’s License required.