Client Service Coordinator (Public Defenders Department)

County of Berks • Reading, PA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: 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. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to: 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. Upon request of Public Defender attorneys: 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• 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.
• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience

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