Social Worker (DV) – Office of Parental Representation

Travis County•Texas, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Travis County Office of Parental Representation (OPR) is a multidisciplinary civil public defender’s office that provides holistic representation to parents involved in litigation with Child Protective Services. OPR social workers use trauma-informed advocacy to support clients facing challenges such as mental health concerns, substance use, domestic violence, poverty, and housing instability. Their work focuses on clients’ broader circumstances to support family reunification. This position is dedicated to serving individuals experiencing domestic violence, including both perpetrators and survivors. The social worker provides intensive case management, psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, danger assessments, safety planning, treatment evaluation, diagnosis review, and connections to community resources. The social worker collaborates with clients and attorneys to develop case goals and monitor progress, and provides psychoeducation, child development education, trauma-informed advocacy, and general life-skills education. The position performs case management, psychosocial and needs assessments, develops and monitors individualized service plans, and accesses community resources. It may require a flexible schedule to meet departmental needs. The role requires a master’s degree in Social Work, two years of social work experience counseling individuals in crisis or trauma situations, an LMSW license, and a valid Texas Driver’s License. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1700 Guadalupe in Austin, Texas. Criminal, driving, education, and employment background checks are required. Employees may be assigned to business continuity efforts outside their normal job functions.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
Two years of social work experience counseling individuals in crisis or trauma situations.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) license.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Knowledge of human development, social work theory and practices, crisis intervention, counseling techniques, social services and community resources, assistance program requirements, psychosocial factors, applicable program laws, financial resources, and modern office practices and software.
Skill in counseling, crisis assistance, psychosocial assessment, determining and obtaining appropriate services, referrals, casework, interviewing, planning, organization, problem-solving, decision-making, and verbal and written communication.
Ability to apply social work and counseling theory and practice; work effectively with people experiencing crises and economic stress, including hostile or aggressive individuals; work under pressure and independently; prepare accurate records and reports; manage time and meet timelines; exercise sound judgment; communicate effectively; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds occasionally and performing the listed physical activities.

Nice To Haves

Intensive case management experience with underserved populations.
Experience using holistic approaches to advocate for indigent clients.
Extensive knowledge of addressing trauma and domestic violence involving both perpetrators and survivors.

Responsibilities

Conduct client and/or family psychosocial and needs assessments and identify available resources.
Develop and implement individualized client and family service plans and monitor progress.
Conduct periodic and final assessments to determine progress, barriers, follow-up needs, and outcomes.
Provide brief counseling and crisis intervention to clients and families to resolve crises, prevent future crises, and support progress toward self-sufficiency and service-plan goals.
Provide short- or long-term case management and coordinate services in settings conducive to client outcomes.
Use community resources, including medical resources and local, state, and federal agencies, to support clients’ self-sufficiency.
Participate in community collaboration to develop resources and eliminate duplication of services.
Serve on community groups advocating for client populations and needs.
Provide client and family education, training, and advocacy.
Maintain current knowledge of resource availability, service costs, and budgetary parameters, and use resources responsibly.
Participate in evaluative and quality assurance activities concerning service delivery and case management services.
Maintain professional accountability and use evidence-based practices while staying current with professional standards.
Write informational reports and compile data and information according to professional standards and policies.
Participate in and coordinate case reviews involving clients, families, and other service providers.
Provide information, referral, and linkage services to community residents.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.