Forensic Social Work Supervisor

County of Contra Costa•Martinez, CA

About The Position

The Contra Costa County Public Defender's (CCPD) Office is recruiting for one (1) vacant position of Forensic Social Work Supervisor. The CCPD is committed to fierce, innovative advocacy that treats every client with dignity and respect, utilizing a holistic model that integrates support from social workers, legal staff, immigration specialists, forensic experts, behavioral-health professionals, and attorneys. The office is dedicated to advancing equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled team committed to client-centered advocacy, supervising forensic social workers who develop mitigation and provide direct services to juveniles, transition age youth, and adults. The supervisor will support clients navigating complex legal, social, and behavioral health challenges, help shape innovative, trauma-informed mitigation, strengthen community partnerships, and promote diversion, rehabilitation, and holistic defense. The position also oversees the MSW/BASW field placement program, providing mentorship, training, and structured learning opportunities for emerging social workers. This position is ideal for leaders passionate about social justice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families across Contra Costa County.

Requirements

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of full-time experience performing forensic social work in a public or private agency that works with clients involved in the criminal or youth justice systems.
One year of experience must occur after completion of the required Master’s Degree.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program
LCSW preferred
Experience providing forensic or clinical social work services in legal, correctional, or behavioral health settings
Prior supervisory experience overseeing social workers, interns, or multidisciplinary staff
Demonstrated skill in mitigation development, psychosocial assessment, and trauma informed practice
Experience working within holistic defense or interdisciplinary legal teams.
Ability to design, implement, and evaluate social work programs or field placement initiatives

Responsibilities

Planning, assigning, and overseeing the work of social case workers and interns providing forensic social work services to Public Defender clients.
Investigating, preparing, and supervising the development of social histories, psychosocial assessments, mitigation reports, treatment plans, and other documentation that supports client defense.
Conducting and overseeing client risk and needs assessments.
Engaging in and supervising interviews with clients and collateral contacts in both custodial and community based settings.
Developing and overseeing social work programs within the office to strengthen holistic defense and client support services.
Collaborating closely with attorneys and multidisciplinary staff to align social work interventions with defense goals and improve outcomes for youth and adult clients.