Forensic Social Worker

Golden Gate Regional Center • San Rafael, CA

32d

About The Position

GGRC is looking to hire a Forensic Social Worker whosupports and educates social workers in all client legal matters which may involve court appearances, assessments, court reports, 6500 petitions, and other related reports which may be requested from the legal system. This position acts as the liaison to locked facilities (Porterville Developmental Center, Canyon Springs), STAR Homes, and Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes, and provides enhanced case management services to individuals who benefit from a higher level of support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related human services field
• Professional experience gained in working in the legal system
• Knowledge of judicial issues such as those pertaining to 6500 petitions, and penal codes 1369, 1822 and 2020.410 to 2020.440
• Knowledge of the legal system as it relates to client cases
• Oral communication: strong public speaking skills; ability to convey complex information and ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner
• Written communication: ability to write with legal terms, do accurate report writing, and develop standard business communications, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Ability to operate basic office equipment
• Basic familiarity with MS Word®, MS Excel®, MS PowerPoint®, MS Outlook® or similar software applications
• Ask a series of probing questions and seek information to get at the root of a situation or problem; call on others (internal or external to the Agency) to get their perspective, experience, etc.
• Establish credibility as a practical resource of specialized knowledge or skill within the Agency; use this expertise to help others solve problems and/or to broaden their own knowledge, perspective or specific technical capability
• Build partnerships and trust through collaboration, active listening and an openness to new ideas
• Think ahead and suggest new programs or ways of doing things that will take advantage of upcoming opportunities or will minimize future problems
• Establish high productivity, ethical, conflict of interest, quality and service standards which exceed the industry baseline (legal mandates, state practices, internal policy, etc.)
• Gain enrollment by ensuring buy-in and cooperation of clients, families, community agencies and peers
• Advocate for clients and families to reach outcomes that are person centered
• Respect others and demonstrate cultural awareness; effectively manage own reactions even in difficult situations
• Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to crisis, new timelines, etc

Nice To Haves

• Work experience with developmentally disabled
• Case Management experience
• Experience in multi-cultural settings and/or multi-lingual capacity

Responsibilities

• Agency resource
• Serve as a resource for the Agency of specialized knowledge and skill in the area of forensics
• Understand the various roles (district attorney, public defender, etc.) and structures (probation department, etc.) within the court system
• Keep up-to-date with new policies and laws that impact forensics
• Maintains a database of information that is easily accessed by others
• Develop and conduct trainings internally for social workers; coordinate opportunities to bring in outside experts to share information and educate staff on the legal system and the basics of criminal court
• Educate staff on the Legal System and the basics of court proceedings
• Conduct and further develop existing training material for court officials to build positive relationships between the legal and regional center systems
• Understand the policies and deadlines for the Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes and STAR Homes and maintain paperwork and deadlines appropriately
• Social worker support
• Work with social workers to problem solve cases with the intent of reaching outcomes for clients
• Partner with social workers in court related cases; serve as lead in court appearances as needed
• Client and family support
• Educate and inform clients and families as to what to expect in a court situation
• Manage court assessments and cases and keep clients informed throughout process
• Project oversight and paperwork
• Manage deadlines for court dates and ensure that all paperwork is processed and handled in a timely manner
• Coordinate and organize all paperwork associated with court cases and reports
• Write reports with detailed and accurate information
• Miscellaneous paperwork
• Outreach
• Develop a network of expertise within the legal community to have access to information not easily accessible
• Collaborate with attorneys regarding cases; gather information and legal advice
• Develop relationships with judges and court officials and learn what is needed to be successful
• Educate community and individuals within the legal system regarding the Regional Center’s mandates and responsibilities
• Advocate for client/family to reach a reduced court time, lesser sentence, get placed in a particular program, etc.
• Organizational Support
• Participate in staff and other internal meetings and task forces as assigned
• Participate in community meetings and activities
• Participate in special projects, and assist with additional duties or tasks, as assigned
• Maintain all client information as confidential in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Lanterman Act
• For Positions designated as ‘Bilingual’:
• Fluency in specified languages to perform the outlined responsibilities of the position including:
• Thorough knowledge of colloquial and relevant technical/functional terminology
• Ability to be speak clearly and be understood by native speakers of specified languages
• Ability to understand relevant spoken/written dialects in specified languages, as appropriate

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical and Dental benefits with a generous employer contribution and additional employer paid Life, Disability and Vision coverage
• 10% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement account to help you save for the future!
• GENEROUS TIME OFF BENEFITS!!!
• No really, we mean generous:
• 13 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays, 6 personal holidays, and up to 5 paid days for continuing education

What This Job Offers

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