Case Worker

Travis County • Austin, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Travis County Public Defender's Office (PDO) is a client-centered, independent, and innovative office providing high-quality holistic defense representation and support to its clients. The PDO represents youth in Juvenile Court and adults, including those with serious mental illness/intellectual or developmental disabilities, in Criminal Court. As a key part of the interdisciplinary team, the case worker works closely with clients, PDO attorneys, and other advocates to provide case support. This includes intensive case management for justice-involved clients, determining client eligibility for social services, and providing crisis intervention and short-term case management. The case worker interviews clients, identifies community resources, and provides ongoing support and advocacy, referring clients to clinical and social service providers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• Ability to interview indigent clients to assess their legal and social support needs.
• Knowledge of: Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Knowledge of: Local social services, organizations and programs and the resources available.
• Knowledge of: Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Knowledge of: Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Knowledge of: Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
• Skill in: Providing assistance to clients.
• Skill in: Interviewing techniques.
• Skill in: Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skill in: Referring clients to appropriate social services organizations and programs.
• Skill in: Math computation.
• Skill in: Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Skill in: Both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to: Deal effectively with persons experiencing crises and economic stress.
• Ability to: Work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
• Ability to: Prepare accurate and complete records and reports.
• Ability to: Demonstrate consistent, sound, and mature judgment in the effective and efficient use of human and financial resources.
• Ability to: Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Ability to: Communicate effectively.
• Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical and other social service providers, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

• Applications with a cover letter detailing interest in the position, including why you want to work for the Travis County Public Defender’s Office.
• Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish.
• Mission-aligned experience (work or lived) advocating on behalf of or supporting people/communities directly impacted by the criminal/immigration/indigent civil legal system.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients at various locations including but not limited to jails, community, court and homes and develops a strengths based needs assessment.
• Requests medical, educational, institutional records as needed in support of legal case.
• Provides case management services for clients.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of client needs.
• Develops casework/service plans, supports progress and follow-up.
• Provides social services related to crisis intervention.
• Coordinates with other service agencies, organizations, and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as well as referrals.
• Serves as an advocate on behalf of client.
• Makes appropriate referrals and warm hand offs to other social service, education, and/or health agencies as needed.
• Interprets eligibility requirements, policy and procedures to clients, other agencies, vendors and governmental entities.
• May provide short and long-term case management, crisis intervention and service coordination to ensure maximum self-sufficiency.
• May provide short-term independent living skills assistance and training.
• May assist clients in obtaining vocational and employment services.
• Reminds clients of court dates and court mandated appointments and provide transportation as needed.
• Provides timely, thorough documentation of all client services and related communications in case management system.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The PDO is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff.
• All applicants should be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level