Forensic Social Work Supervisor

County of Contra Costa; Martinez (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office seeks a Forensic Social Work Supervisor to lead a skilled team delivering mitigation and direct services to diverse clients within a holistic defense framework.

You will supervise forensic social workers, mentor MSW/BASW field placements, and collaborate across legal and behavioral health professionals to improve outcomes for youth and adults.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, or closely related field.
• Three years of forensic social work experience; one year post-master’s degree.
• Desirable: MSW from an accredited program; LCSW preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, assign, and oversee work of social case workers and interns providing forensic social work services.
• Investigate and supervise development of social histories, psychosocial assessments, and mitigation reports.
• Conduct and oversee client risk and needs assessments.
• Engage in and supervise interviews with clients and collateral contacts in custodial and community settings.
• Develop and oversee social work programs to strengthen holistic defense.
• Collaborate with attorneys and multidisciplinary staff to align interventions with defense goals.

Education

Master’s Degree in social work or related field

LCSW preferred

Job description

Bargaining Unit: Local 1021 - Social Services First Line Supervisors Unit

Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office?

The Contra Costa County Public Defender's (CCPD) Office is excited to announce the recruitment for one (1) vacanct position of Forensic Social Work Supervisor.

At the CCPD, we are committed to fierce, innovative advocacy that treats every client with dignity and respect. Our holistic model integrates support from social workers, legal staff, immigration specialists, forensic experts, behavioral-health professionals, and more than 100 attorneys. We are dedicated to advancing equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Joining the CCPD as a Forensic Social Worker Supervisor in the Client Services Unit offers a unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled team committed to client-centered advocacy. In this role, you will supervise forensic social workers, who will develop mitigation and provide direct services to juveniles, transition age youth and adults. While leading your team, you will support clients navigating complex legal, social, and behavioral health challenges. You will help shape innovative, trauma-informed mitigation, strengthen community partnerships, and promote diversion, rehabilitation, and holistic defense. You will also oversee the MSW/BASW field placement program, providing mentorship, training and structured learning opportunities for emerging social workers. This position is ideal for leaders who are passionate about social justice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families across Contra Costa County.

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates compassion and consistently upholds the dignity and respect of all clients.
• Exhibits strong strategic thinking and exceptional analytical abilities.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Effective in interdisciplinary collaboration within holistic defense.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Planning, assigning, and overseeing the work of social case workers and interns providing forensic social work services to Public Defender clients.
• Investigating, preparing, and supervising the development of social histories, psychosocial assessments, mitigation reports, treatment plans, and other documentation that supports client defense.
• Conducting and overseeing client risk and needs assessments.
• Engaging in and supervising interviews with clients and collateral contacts in both custodial and community based settings.
• Developing and overseeing social work programs within the office to strengthen holistic defense and client support services.
• Collaborating closely with attorneys and multidisciplinary staff to align social work interventions with defense goals and improve outcomes for youth and adult clients.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You thrive in a fast paced, environment that requires strong critical thinking and adaptability.
• You value the opportunity to support clients through compassionate, holistic, and trauma informed advocacy.
• You are flexible and open to a diverse range of assignments and learning opportunities.
• You appreciate being part of an office committed to holistic defense and equitable representation for all clients.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You may encounter high stakes situations involving clients with significant trauma, instability, or urgent needs, requiring calm, thoughtful, and trauma informed responses.
• You will manage complex cases and navigate multiple systems simultaneously.
• Adjusting to balancing team supervision, program development, and shifting priorities.

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity and Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Written Communication: Communicates accurately and professionally in writing.
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciates and promotes the contributions of individuals with varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.

License Required:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education:

Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Three (3) years of full-time experience performing forensic social work in a public or private agency that works with clients involved in the criminal or youth justice systems. One year of experience must occur after completion of the required Master’s Degree.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program; LCSW preferred
• Experience providing forensic or clinical social work services in legal, correctional, or behavioral health settings
• Prior supervisory experience overseeing social workers, interns, or multidisciplinary staff
• Demonstrated skill in mitigation development, psychosocial assessment, and trauma informed practice
• Experience working within holistic defense or interdisciplinary legal teams.
• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate social work programs or field placement initiatives

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Training and Experience Evaluation: Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire at the time of filing. The responses to the training and experience questions on the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates' relevant education, training, and/or experience as it relates to the Business Systems Analyst Classification. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment specific questions, please contact Austin Wagers at [e-mail].

For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at [phone].

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Contra Costa County is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities in its employment practices. If you believe you may anticipate needing reasonable accommodation, please visit our job seeker resources page at: Special Testing Accommodations | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website.