CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Public Defender Social Worker
SALARY:
$62,135.41 - $80,366.95
DEPARTMENT:
Public Defenders Office
Closing Date:
02/06/2024 12:00 a.m.
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under supervision of the Public Defender, this position provides a holistic approach to social work for clients in the legal system. This includes assessing social, emotional, and practical needs like substance abuse, mental health, housing, and employment. Responsible for collaborating with legal counsel, connecting clients with vital community resources for treatment, support, and opportunity while guiding clients through the legal process and maintaining detailed case records to track progress and goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conducts client interviews and assessments, including meeting clients who may be incarcerated.
Partners with clients, providing counseling, education, support and advocacy.
Obtains and verifies background information.
Gathers mitigating information through diverse sources, including interviews, healthcare providers, employers, and record reviews.
Collaborates with defense teams to develop evidence-based advocacy for reduced sentences or alternative options.
Maintains case files and manages a diverse caseload.
Drafts advocacy documents to secure the best possible outcomes for clients.
Establishes and maintains relationships with community agencies and referral partners.
Guides clients by navigating the criminal justice system and securing appropriate referrals for assessment, treatment, housing, employment, and other critical support services.
Mentors and supports social worker interns, fellows, and externs, providing comprehensive training and promoting self-care resources.
Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (Limited Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker [LLBSW] or Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker [LBSW]) from an accredited college or university
- One (1) year providing social worker services to clients
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university
- Previous social work experience with individuals involved in the criminal justice system
- Experience with the mental health system
Required Licenses or Certifications:
- Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work to practice as a Social Worker
- Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:
Knowledge of:
- Social work principles and practices
- Constitutional rights of clients
- HIPAA and other related laws and County policies
Skill in:
- Prioritization and organization
- Word, Excel, Google products
- Performing data entry in a multiple software applications
- Building and maintaining interpersonal relationships
Ability to:
- Present complex information with clarity and inclusivity
- Build and maintain relationships with a diverse population
- Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
- Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
- Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
- Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
- Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
- Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
- Work independently
