Social Worker (10117147)

Law Offices Of The Public Defender•Carlsbad, NM

30d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) is recruiting a Social Worker to work in Carlsbad. LOPD Social Workers ensure the delivery of defense-oriented services throughout the state in support of a criminal defense team by developing plans for addressing client life situations that, if mitigated, may increase the opportunities to improve their lives. Provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal justice system. This position qualifies for a geographical pay differential of $4.00 hourly/$8,320.00 annually. As the state’s largest law firm, the Law Offices of the Public Defender represents low-income people facing criminal charges in New Mexico. With dedicated teams of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and office support, we guard individuals from injustice and work to address the underlying issues that bring clients into the criminal court system. In addition to representing individuals in criminal cases, we also advocate in our state legislature to protect the constitutional rights of all New Mexicans. This Social Worker position could be for you if you are interested in helping support clients through resource coordination, alternative sentencing plans, and compassionate advocacy as a team member of the Law Offices of the Public Defender's Social Work Unit. LOPD Social Workers ensure the delivery of defense-oriented services throughout the state in support of a criminal defense team by developing plans for addressing a client’s life situation that, if mitigated, may increase the opportunities to improve their lives. Provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal legal system. This classification may be required to report to a judicial partner’s building or office, which may include Courthouses, District Attorney Offices, Detention Centers and/or Correctional Facilities. To perform the essential functions an incumbent in this classification may be required to successfully complete a 3rd party background check conducted by a judicial partner.

Requirements

Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting; including the ability to work with databases and case management software
Attention to detail and organization skills
Ability to perform well under the pressure, have excellent time management and effective prioritization; of multiple deadlines;
All Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point); automated spreadsheets, and databases in a Windows environment, and other standard office equipment.
Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex information
Excellent verbal communication skills, including listening skills
Proficiency in writing, editing, and proofreading; including coherence, grammar, punctuation, structure, spelling, tone, clarity, and organization.
Trauma informed and responsive practices;
Understanding of the dynamics of substance abuse, mental health issues, homelessness, interpersonal violence, and the impact on family and child development to develop service plans;
Basic Understanding of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and its application to making appropriate referrals for clients to programs and services;
Understanding of DSM-5 classification of mental health symptoms and diagnosis;
Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of disenfranchisement and marginalization (race, class, gender and gender identity, ability-including mental health, sexual orientation) of individuals caught in the criminal legal system;
Knowledge of local and statewide resources and services that will benefit clients specifically, substance use, mental health, housing;
NASW Code of Ethics and its application to forensic social work;
Perform advanced or specialized work that requires independence in the interpretation of policies, procedures, and the exercise of judgement in decision making.
Analyzing processes and making recommendations for improvement;
Analyzing the applicability of emerging trends and/or services to the Social Work Unit;
Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and assess complex information;
Ability to interface with all individuals in a courteous and respectful manner, and project positive support of all agency departments at all times;
Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism;
Working effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the LOPD and criminal legal partners staff;
Interview skills
Working alone or with others with or without explicit directions, and without close supervision
Organizing and prioritizing multiple work assignments, from more than one manager, and with competing deadlines, and producing quality work
Integrity; Motivation; Strong work ethic; Emotional Intelligence;
Flexibility and ability to change plans with little notice
Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, criminal justice, or social work and four (4) years’ experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling and treatment, or equivalent.
Must be in good standing and have a current License to practice Social Work in New Mexico. Provisional license must be converted to full licensure with six (6) months of hire.
Must have a driver’s license and be able to certify in Defensive Driving.
Must maintain professional social work license in good standing and renew bi-annually with the New Mexico Social Work Board of Licensing and Regulation;
Social work license is required by the Law Offices of The Public Defender.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License.
Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required.
We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.

Responsibilities

Developing plans for addressing a client’s life situation that, if mitigated, may increase the opportunities to improve their lives.
Provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal justice system.
Conducting and preparing competency screening reports to identify potential competency issues of the client and if further mental health forensic evaluation is needed.
Conducting psychosocial assessment of clients assigned by attorneys to assist in plea negotiations, mitigating sentencing, and determining service needs.
Provide pertinent information to attorney including treatment and service recommendations.
Identifying therapeutic, educational, vocational, social, and other resources to meet client, family, community, and justice system needs.
Coordinating activities with other internal departments and/or external organizations.
Preparing a variety of reports related to operational activities, including statistical analysis.
Planning and implementing program components.
Tracking clients progress until completion of the case