Client Service Coordinator (Public Defenders Department)

County of Berks • Reading, PA

12h • Onsite

About The Position

Provide alternative disposition plans for clients with Mental Health & substance abuse disorders in the court system; and, upon request of attorneys, investigate cases by interviewing clients and witnesses, prepare and serve subpoenas on witnesses, and provide assistance to prisoners filling out Public Defender applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• No experience required, one year of experience preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of community based social services.
• Ability to use windows-based computer programs.
• Able to collaborate with multiple agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively – both oral and written.
• General knowledge of criminal law & procedure.
• General knowledge of Mental Health Act.
• General knowledge of jail diversion & Treatment Courts.
• Ability to interview for court reports & services.
• Good problem-solving ability and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to use a camera to photograph crime scenes.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

Responsibilities

• Identify clients with Mental Health &/or substance disorders to assist them accordingly.
• Collaborate with representatives from Social Service Agencies and/or treatment facilities to make referrals and recommendations, as needed.
• Prepare Psycho-Social Pre-Sentence Report (sentence mitigation report) of client for court, and collect documentation, as determined (such as Mental Health Records, School Records, Social Service Records & the like).
• Interview client and witnesses, review crime scene(s), photograph crime scene, serve subpoenas for court hearings, review police reports, obtain medical records, etc.
• Provide assistance to incarcerated Defendants filling out Public Defender application for representation.
• Provide assistance at trial.
• Occasional travel in-and-around the county and surrounding areas is sometimes required, to include prisons, courthouses, and meet with in-custody clients and interview witnesses.

What This Job Offers

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