Dispositional Advisor - Temporary

State of Minnesota Board of Public Defense•Duluth, MN

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under administrative direction and supervision, cases are referred to the Legal Dispositional Advisor by Public Defender attorneys for the purpose of formulating individualized alternative dispositions or sentencing options and providing relevant mitigation evidence for juvenile and adults clients charged in District or Juvenile Court. This is a temporary position expected to last ninety (90) days and is ineligible for benefits and retirement contributions. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing the probationary period of twelve (12) months.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice or other Human Services related fields is required
Minimum of two years of experience working in a related field
Knowledge of research and current evidence-based interventions for psychological behavioral and neurological disorders
Knowledge and understating of Minnesota law governing mitigation
Knowledge and understanding of Minnesota correctional facilities and probation services
Thorough understanding of the criminal justice system
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proficient interviewing skills for obtaining information regarding clients
Skilled in utilizing community resources to identify available and relevant services for clients
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients
Ability to synthesize psychological, psychiatric and chemical dependency diagnoses as set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders
Ability to acknowledge cultural and socio-economic impact on clients

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, or other Human Services related fields

Responsibilities

Consults with staff attorneys in case preparation
Prepare comprehensive social histories through client interviews, collateral contacts and pertinent records review
Conducts assessment of client treatment needs
Develops appropriate treatment and/or service plans for clients
Initiates evaluations, treatment referrals, and other services necessary for the formulation of alternative sentencing/disposition recommendations
Advises clients, attorneys, and Courts of available community resources
Presents recommendations for sentencing alternatives to Courts in written memorandum, sworn testimony, and/or other communication
Maintains professional collaborations with mental health practitioners, treatment providers, state/county corrections and social service agencies
Identifies appropriate community resources per individualized client needs
Promotes the overall mission of the Board of Public Defense to the community at large
Other duties and professional development as assigned