Social Worker - Legal Defender

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Pima County Legal Defender's Office is expanding its Social Work and Mitigation Unit and seeks a skilled, dedicated social worker to join a team representing adult and juvenile clients. The team provides client-centered, holistic defense for adults and juveniles facing criminal charges, as well as adults involved in the dependency process. Social workers provide guidance on mitigation, treatment and community resources, rehabilitation, and sentencing alternatives, partnering with clients to address underlying issues related to justice-system involvement. The position advocates for clients in and out of court. The role provides social services, counseling, crisis intervention, assessment, referrals, care coordination, treatment and re-entry planning, advocacy, documentation, and support for clients and families. Work may take place in an office or community setting, including outpatient clinics, hospitals or emergency departments, rehabilitation facilities, and detention facilities. Work assignments may vary according to departmental needs and are communicated by a supervisor. The position requires a valid driver license at application and a valid Arizona driver license at appointment. The successful applicant must pass a 39-month motor vehicle record review for suitability to operate County vehicles, subject to Fleet Services approval. Pre-employment background screening is required, and some positions may require a satisfactory court or law enforcement background investigation. Post-offer proof of immunizations and/or TB screening is required; specified vaccinations or the ability to become fully vaccinated by the start date may also be required. The position may require bending, reaching, grasping, speaking in person and by phone, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle and distinguish colors, depth, and peripheral vision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in a behavioral or social service field or a closely related field as defined by the appointing authority, and two years of experience in client, family, and child behavioral services, child welfare and needs, or crisis intervention counseling. Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.
Valid driver license at time of application and valid Arizona driver license at time of appointment.
Ability to meet required immunization or vaccination conditions, including proof of vaccination or ability to become fully vaccinated by the start date where required.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background screening; some positions may also require a satisfactory court or law enforcement background investigation.
Successful Fleet Services review and approval of driving record to operate County vehicles.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application.

Responsibilities

Provide direct social services, counseling, and crisis intervention to individuals and families involved in the legal system, in office or community-based settings.
Screen and assess clients, evaluate information to identify causes of problems, determine therapeutic approaches, and refer clients to appropriate specialists and services consistent with care plans.
Collaborate with professional staff and related professionals to help represent clients.
Conduct ongoing assessments of clients’ emotional, behavioral, and social needs.
Provide crisis management counseling, therapeutic crisis intervention, and emergency services as appropriate to client needs.
Develop client re-entry plans, treatment plans, and follow-up care programs, and help establish individual- and family-centered goals.
Provide focused support and counseling to clients and families dealing with the criminal justice system or the effects of bereavement and loss, trauma, chronic illness, physical disability, substance use, or behavioral health issues.
Participate in developing community training modules concerning substance use, trauma, suicide prevention, overdose, and general mental health.
Inform concerned parties about the effects of psychosocial and cultural differences on illness.
Evaluate home environments and determine whether client needs are being met.
Maintain liaison with community resource agencies and refer clients to appropriate resources.
Maintain client records and prepare written recommendations and reports for responsible parties.
Obtain treatment records and coordinate care with family, community providers, and others relevant to healthcare and community re-entry plans.
Maintain the security and confidentiality of information encountered or created in assigned duties.
Advocate for clients and coordinate services and information with community and state agencies, social service systems, and courts.
May transport clients to health, housing, and justice appointments.
May testify in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.