Public Defender Social Worker

State of North Carolina

1d•$50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

SALARY RANGE: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 The primary purpose of the Public Defender Social Worker is to collaborate with attorneys to help clients address the underlying causes and consequences of their involvement in the criminal justice system. Additionally, the Public Defender Social Worker would also have administrative duties. This position will be in Lincoln County.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Social Work: placement and treatment options in the local community screening diagnostic tools for client interviews including evidence-based risk and other assessment instruments, willingness and ability to meet with clients in custody and assist them with substance abuse and mental health treatment resources, and Willingness and ability to collaborate with attorneys to achieve best outcome for clients.
Administrative Duties: oral and written communication skills.
organizational and time management skills including ability to assist attorneys with scheduling.
computers and word processing skills to prepare reports, summaries, mitigation notebooks, and any other relevant documents, and strong telephone communication skills to assist client intake and appointments.
Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and one year of work experience in a human services field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Attach cover letter and résumé.

Responsibilities

Provide referrals for clients seeking housing, employment services, mental health or substance use treatment, and other social services.
Visit clients in custody to conduct initial assessments, screenings, and interviews.
Answering telephone calls and opening case files electronically to assist attorneys and legal assistants.
Work with local jails to ensure clients are being treated for physical and behavioral health issues, including receiving the proper medications, if appropriate.
Interview family, friends, teachers, employers, and others to obtain a complete picture of the client's situation.
Obtain clients' records from all relevant sources; review records; and prepare summary of records.
Collaborate with attorneys in developing mitigation evidence for pre-trial negotiations, trials, and sentencing purposes.
Collaborate with attorneys to provide case management services for clients.
Establish and maintain a database of local and state services and treatment options.
Provide referrals for clients seeking housing, employment services, mental health or substance use treatment, and other social services.