Client Services Specialist-Objective - Madison Appellate Office

Wisconsin State Public Defender; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Moving expense reimbursement

Reasonable accommodations

Vacation 3.5 weeks + 9 holidays

Job summary

The Wisconsin State Public Defender seeks a dedicated Client Services Specialist-Objective to join the Madison Appellate Office. You will gather, evaluate, and analyze client records to support postconviction work, with emphasis on social history, treatment needs, and coordination with counsel.

The role offers a clear career path, a robust benefits package, generous time off, and a competitive starting wage with opportunities for progression through the pay plan.

Qualifications

• Obtaining, interpreting, and analyzing records (e.g., mental health, treatment, etc.).
• Communicate with diverse clientele effectively.
• Drafting reports regarding social background and treatment needs.
• Strong oral and written interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Gathers, evaluates, and analyzes client records to assist the assigned lawyer.
• Assesses social history, treatment, medical and vocational needs.
• Supports postconviction issues development.

Skills

Record analysis

Client communication

Report drafting

Oral & written comms

Job description

Job ID

22372

Location

Madison

Agency

State Public Defender Board

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Classification Code

50672

Classification Title

Client Services Spec-Obj

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Introduction

Are you seeking a rewarding and challenging career? Bring your social work skills to the Wisconsin State Public Defenders (SPD) and make a difference in the lives of Wisconsin residents! The SPD is currently recruiting to fill one full-time Client Services Specialist-Objective to work in our Madison Appellate Office.

SPD's mission is to enhance the quality of justice throughout Wisconsin by providing high-quality, cost-effective representation to indigent clients, protecting the rights of accused individuals, and by serving as advocates for effective defense services and a rational criminal justice system. At SPD, we are committed to diversity in hiring, retention, and career development. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. To learn more, visit our website at http://wispd.gov.

What We Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with the SPD. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including access to the region's best health plans, and generous paid time off starting with 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays, and ample sick leave so that you can truly have work/life balance! SPD employees also enjoy participation is one of the nation's top-rated pension plans. Additionally, if you have student loans, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the value of SPD's total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator.

Why Work With Us

At SPD, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, human-centered and family-friendly culture, where everyone is encouraged to bring their \"whole self\" to work. Professional development is encouraged and supported, and we offer a wide variety of training opportunities to help you grow in your career. Our leadership's goal is to provide a work environment dedicated to ensuring that each and every staff member is treated with respect and dignity, recognizing each individual's contributions to the team. We encourage all applicants to read about the SPD's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here.

Who We Are

SPD provides legal representation for persons who are accused of crimes or are defendants in certain specified civil matters, and who meet statutory financial eligibility criteria. The mission of the SPD is to zealously represent clients, protect constitutional rights, and advocate for an effective and fair criminal justice system. Our commitment is to treat our clients with dignity and compassion, as they are at the center of everything we do. To learn more about the various career paths and opportunities at the SPD, click here.

Where We're Located

This position will work in our Madison Appellate Office located at 17 S Fairchild, FL 3, Madison, WI 53707.

Position Summary

The CSS gathers, evaluates, and analyzes records and information about the client-including the client's social history and the client's treatment, medical, education, and vocational needs-to assist the assigned lawyer in developing postconviction issues.

For more detailed information, please click here for the position description.

Salary Information

The starting salary for the CSS-Objective will be between $20.23 and $35.03/hour and is in pay schedule-range (12-64) and the starting salary for the CSS-Senior will be between $24.14 and $44.54/hour and is in pay schedule-range (12-63). Pay will be set in accordance with the Compensation Plan and Wisconsin Administrative Code in effect at the time of hire. A one-year probationary period will be required.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement) for a position assigned to the stated pay range or counter-part pay range, should complete the application process as described below by the stated deadline.

Final selected candidates may be eligible for moving expense reimbursement to relocate to the place of employment.

Job Details

Background Check: We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. A criminal background check will be done prior to an offer of employment.

Eligibility to work in the US: The SPD does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The State of Wisconsin is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Veterans: The State of Wisconsin offer a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Wisconsin driver’s license: Possession of a valid WI driver's license must be maintained as a condition of employment.

Ability to testify: In an effective manner in court procedures. Testifying in an effective manner requires candidates and employees to have no criminal convictions that may allow impeachment of testimony.

Qualifications

LETTER OF QUALIFICATIONS & RESUME: You must submit both documents in order to be considered. It is important that you clearly explain and elaborate on your experience and/or training in your letter of qualifications and/or resume.

Minimum Qualifications (Required - Candidates Must Have Experience And/or Training Relevant To These Areas In Order To Be Considered For This Position)

• Obtaining, interpreting, and analyzing records (e.g., mental health, alcohol and/or drug treatment, medical, Department of Corrections, etc.)


• Communicate with diverse clientele (e.g., mental health, addiction, poverty, criminal background, etc.)


• Drafting reports regarding an individual's social background and/or treatment needs


• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

A well-qualified candidate will also have experience and/or training in the following areas

• Working within the criminal legal system, encompassing support for adults in criminal court, youth clients, individuals with mental health challenges, and those involved in family defense cases


• Providing social work assistance in case consultation

Materials submitted by all applicants will be evaluated by one or more job experts. Candidates who are deemed eligible will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please reach out to the HR Specialist listed below.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.