Temporary - Social Worker - Legal Advocate

City of Austin

1d•$24 - $28

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Purpose: Under general supervision, provide social work services to clients and families. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Conducts psychosocial assessments. Develops and implements individual service or treatment plans. Provides case management, maintains documentation, and compiles data and informational reports. Provides information and referrals, as appropriate, and supports clients in connecting to appropriate resources. Supports clients in stabilization of bio-psychosocial functioning. Provides short-term crisis counseling and support. Documents services provided through the appropriate reporting methods. Keeps informed in best practices and community resources. Maintains clients’ records in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of theoretical constructs of human development. Knowledge of community resources available for human development, therapeutic interventions, and/or support. Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief, or crisis situations. Knowledge of social work theories. Knowledge of Federal and State program requirements for services to children, adolescents, and their families. Skill in effective oral and/or written communication. Skill in effective communication and dealing with the public. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City departments, employees, and the public. Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports. Notes to Applicants This position is funded through a grant supporting expanded legal advocacy services for victims of violent crime in partnership with the Austin Police Department Victim Services Division and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division. The goal of this program is to increase access to trauma-informed legal advocacy and support for crime victims navigating the criminal justice process. Important Notes About Employment and Funding: This is a grant-funded position with funding currently authorized for the initial grant period. Continuation of the position beyond the grant term is contingent upon future funding availability. The position is classified as temporary full-time, with the potential for conversion to a permanent role based on program evaluation and funding decisions. Employees in this position will be assigned dual work locations at Austin Police Department Headquarters and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Work may also occur in community-based safe spaces as needed to meet with victims/survivors. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet program and victim/survivor needs. This role requires maintaining confidentiality and professionalism when working with victims and survivors of violent crime. Work Focus: The Social Worker (Legal Advocate) will provide direct services to victims of violent crime, including: Courtroom accompaniment and legal advocacy; Assistance with transportation, translation/interpretation, and property recovery; Coordination of childcare or respite care for victims attending legal proceedings; Notification regarding key proceeding dates (such as trials, case dispositions, or parole hearings); and Support in completing victim impact statements and restitution advocacy. Additional Information: Austin Police will serve as the fiscal agent and administrative manager for this position. Selected candidates will undergo a criminal background investigation as part of the hiring process. Applicants are encouraged to detail relevant experience in victim services, advocacy, or trauma-informed care in their application materials.

Requirements

Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Social Work.
OR Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals and case management services.
Licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and will be required to maintain during employment.
Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility.
Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing trauma-informed support services to victims of violent crime
Some knowledge of the criminal justice process and victims’ rights
Experience with translation/interpretation or working with individuals with limited English proficiency
Ability to collaborate effectively with law enforcement, prosecutors, and community-based service providers
Strong communication and case management skills

Responsibilities

Conducts psychosocial assessments.
Develops and implements individual service or treatment plans.
Provides case management, maintains documentation, and compiles data and informational reports.
Provides information and referrals, as appropriate, and supports clients in connecting to appropriate resources.
Supports clients in stabilization of bio-psychosocial functioning.
Provides short-term crisis counseling and support.
Documents services provided through the appropriate reporting methods.
Keeps informed in best practices and community resources.
Maintains clients’ records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Courtroom accompaniment and legal advocacy
Assistance with transportation, translation/interpretation, and property recovery
Coordination of childcare or respite care for victims attending legal proceedings
Notification regarding key proceeding dates (such as trials, case dispositions, or parole hearings)
Support in completing victim impact statements and restitution advocacy.