Social Worker

Neighborhood Defender Service•Detroit, MI

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Worker is an integral part of the defense team who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized people and communities. The Social Worker contributes to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes, and our ideal Social Worker approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

Requirements

A master’s degree in social work combined with valid clinical social work licensure or certification in Michigan.
A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and the Wayne County communities.
Experience advocating for clients in a direct client services context.
Must be comfortable in a court environment.
An understanding of social casework objectives, principles and methods; casework management and organization; community resources; interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodology.
An ability to quickly build relationships across varying identities, income levels, races and ethnicities.
A high level of organizational and administrative skills to handle a high caseload and multi-task in a very fast-paced environment.
Must possess excellent interpersonal, analytical, writing, and communication skills
Energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity to gather and develop information from a broad spectrum of sources, ranging from community residents to county, state, and federal agencies.
An ability to work cooperatively in a team setting and independently with minimal oversight.
Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite to include Microsoft Word and OneDrive.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a public defender office or related criminal justice agency is a plus.
Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic) individuals are encouraged to apply.
Experience working in an interdisciplinary setting.
Experience in a courtroom setting.

Responsibilities

Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the residents of Wayne County.
Work closely and collaboratively with team members to advocate for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration for clients. This advocacy includes: Gathering factual mitigation through interviews and obtaining records; Analyzing records; Researching and recommending alternatives to incarceration; Writing pre-pleading memoranda to judges and prosecutors seeking reduced sentences and ATIs.
Work closely with clients to: Make appropriate referrals to address clients’ social service needs (drug treatment, mental health treatment, housing and other benefits); Assist clients in navigating social service agencies; Advocate on behalf of clients to social service agencies.
Advocate orally and in writing on behalf of clients to judges, programs, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys.
Work primarily at NDS’ main office when not in Court.