Case Manager (10117141)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender•Santa Fe, NM

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) is recruiting a Case Manager to work in Santa Fe. The primary location for this position is Santa Fe; however, assignments may be in Taos and Rio Arriba counties as needed. As the state’s largest law firm, the Law Offices of the Public Defender represents low-income people facing criminal charges in New Mexico. With dedicated teams of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and office support, we guard individuals from injustice and work to address the underlying issues that bring clients into the criminal court system. In addition to representing individuals in criminal cases, we also advocate in our state legislature to protect the constitutional rights of all New Mexicans. This Case Manager position could be for you if you are interested in helping support clients through resource coordination, alternative sentencing plans, and compassionate advocacy as a team member of the Law Offices of the Public Defender's Social Work Unit. Case Managers assist Social Workers and Attorneys, who represent clients faced with criminal charges in New Mexico, in addressing the client's circumstances and providing alternatives to retribution in the criminal-legal system. Case Managers assist in developing service and alternative sentencing plans in order to address life situations, which, if mitigated, support the client in having the best possible chance to be successful in their community. Case Managers identify resources and referral options relevant to the needs of the clients served by the Social Work Unit.

Requirements

Computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting; including the ability to work with databases and case management software.
Knowledge of local and statewide resources and services that will benefit clients specifically, substance use, mental health, housing.
Attention to detail and organization skills.
Ability to perform well under pressure, have excellent time management and effective prioritization of multiple deadlines.
Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point); and databases in a Windows environment, and other standard office equipment.
Working knowledge and adherence to strict confidentiality standards, including those required by the LOPD, State and Federal statutes.
Understanding of the impacts of disenfranchisement and marginalization (race, class, gender and gender identity, ability (including mental health), sexual orientation) of individuals caught in the criminal legal system.
Integrity, client confidentiality.
Providing services and collegial interaction reflective of a working knowledge of holistic defense and trauma responsive service provision.
Submit applications to substance abuse programs, housing, and mental health services noting acceptance/denials, utilizing agency prescribed databases for effective tracking.
Knowledge of the NASW Code of Ethics as it pertains to case management.
Knowledge of Trauma informed and responsive practices.
Proficiency in writing, editing, and proofreading; including coherence, grammar, punctuation, structure, spelling, tone, clarity, and organization.
Analytical skills.
Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex information.
Ability to interface with all individuals in a courteous and respectful manner, and project positive support of all agency departments at all times.
Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Working effectively with diverse educational, personal, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the LOPD and community partners.
Excellent verbal communication skills, including listening skills.
Working alone or with others with or without explicit directions, and without close supervision.
Motivation; Strong work ethic.
Flexibility and ability to change plans with little notice.
Associates degree in Human Services or Social Sciences and two (2) years of experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling.
Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Must have a driver’s license and be able to certify in Defensive Driving.
Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Public Speaking
Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

Assist Social Workers and Attorneys in addressing client circumstances and providing alternatives to retribution in the criminal-legal system.
Assist in developing service and alternative sentencing plans to address life situations that support client success in the community.
Identify resources and referral options relevant to client needs.
Refer clients to community resources and treatment, including substance abuse programs, housing, and mental health services.
Track client progress until case completion.
Analyze processes and make recommendations for improvement.
Analyze the applicability of emerging trends and/or services used by the Social Work Unit.
Interface with all individuals in a courteous and respectful manner, and project positive support of all agency departments at all times.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Work effectively with diverse educational, personal, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the LOPD and community partners.
Track clients progress until completion of the case.