Public Defender Social Worker

State of North Carolina•Public Defender's Office Wake, NC

12d•$49,690 - $62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Public Defender, District 10, is seeking a social worker who is qualified in forensic and prospective social work services that are necessary to indigent defense lawyers representing adult and juvenile clients in criminal, juvenile and family court matters. The social worker would participate not only in the courtroom, but also to advocate for clients in their interactions with community professionals, a task many are unable to navigate without assistance.

Requirements

Knowledge of: criminal justice system; public and private organizations and community resources; alternative treatment and/or placement facilities both in and outside of North Carolina; and funding sources for alternative treatment and/or placement facilities.
Skills in: excellent written, communication and advocacy skills; and proficiency with MC Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to: meet high demands and deadlines often associated with advocating for the rights of consumers within the criminal justice system; develop and conduct educational seminars; and work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience using Enterprise Justice/Odyssey.

Responsibilities

Evaluate Judicial Branch recruiting statistics/trends and form strategies to attract qualified applicants.
Conduct client and family member interviews; and write reports of client and family meber interviews for other members of the defense team.
Identify and obtain appropriate services based on the client's stated needs, such as access to housing, appropriate mental health and medical services, employment, educational opportunities and other support services.
Work with attorneys to coordinate client cases and advocacy.
Conduct a mini-psychological-social evaluation on the client for the representing attorney.
Assist in communication between attorney and client when necessary.
Establish and develop relationships with community services and potential supports, including, but not limited to, the local mental health authority, law enforcement, community supervision, the housing authority, adult education services, community leaders, and religious communities.
Appear for court settings with client and monitor progress of clients throughout the pendency of their cases(s).
Assist in client transition to probation and development of appropriate conditions.
Participate in visitation and other important meetings with the Department of Social Services and/or Department of Juvenile Justice to enable parents to properly parent their children.