Social Work Assistant

State of Ohio • Marietta, OH

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Social Work Assistant works in the Washington County Office of the Office of the Ohio Public Defender’s Trial Services Division, providing basic social services to indigent clients facing criminal charges. As part of a client’s case team, the assistant helps address emotional, psychological, and practical needs through client-centered support, resource connections, case management, advocacy, and legal navigation. The role involves collaborating with attorneys and administrative staff in the Marietta Office and traveling throughout Washington County. Travel needs are intermittent and may vary month to month according to business or client needs; remote communication through Teams or other conferencing software may be needed during those times.

The assistant assesses client needs, connects clients and their families with appropriate community resources and interventions, tracks client progress and outcomes, and supports coordination of treatment and court-ordered evaluations. The position also includes case documentation, preparation of statements for in-court presentations under the direction of State Assistant Public Defenders, and administrative and clerical assistance. The position is permanent, full-time, classified, and represented by Union 1199. Work hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Compensation is $25.43–$31.34 per hour ($52,894.40–$65,187.20 annually), with starting pay generally at Step 1 and possible higher starting pay for exceptional qualifications, subject to contract or legislation. Candidates must hold current registration as a Social Work Assistant issued by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage & Family Therapist Board in accordance with ORC 4757.29.

Requirements

• Current registration as a Social Work Assistant issued by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage & Family Therapist Board in accordance with ORC 4757.29.
• Ability to work with a large team and assist people facing challenges related to poverty.
• Self-motivated and comfortable communicating through Teams or other conferencing software when needed.
• Final candidates must undergo a background check and drug test; a positive drug-test result will prevent an offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Professional or volunteer experience helping to pursue a fair justice system.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess clients’ needs for medical, financial, housing, and community-resource assistance, including clients at moderate-to-high risk of reoffending and clients judicially released on diversion or community control.
• Interview clients, review case files, consult with clients’ attorneys, and request relevant court, medical, education, jail, and program records.
• Research community resources and make referrals; submit paperwork for providers’ eligibility determinations.
• Assist clients in securing medical benefits, housing, utility-bill assistance, veterans’ assistance, and other services.
• Identify appropriate and accessible community interventions and coordinate community linkages for clients and, as appropriate, their families while cases are pending disposition, diversion is being completed, or community control is ongoing.
• Track client progress and outcomes; participate in planning client support systems; maintain data on clients and local social services; and track court-ordered evaluations and communicate with stakeholders about scheduling, completion, and records.
• Enter records and case notes into a web-based case-management system and prepare and maintain required reports and progress notes.
• Maintain working relationships with attorneys, justice stakeholders, clients, families, and facilities.
• Under the direction of State Assistant Public Defenders, prepare written and oral statements for in-court presentations as needed.
• Answer and forward phone calls to appropriate parties.
• Coordinate attorney calls to clients and attorney visits to county jails and state prisons.
• Assist with retrieving documents from county, state, and federal courts and other offices.
• Provide administrative and clerical assistance and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical coverage.
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of the eligibility period.
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave.
• Education and development opportunities, including employee development funds and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Public retirement systems, including OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS, and optional deferred compensation through Ohio Deferred Compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed