Mitigation Social Worker — Impactful Court Advocacy

State of Colorado; Brighton (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

State Paid Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care

HSA Plan with Employer Contribution

Paid Time Off & Sick Leave

Flexible Schedules

11 paid holidays

Mental Health Resources

Colorado PERA

401(k) and 457 Plans

Job summary

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender is seeking a Licensed Social Worker to join the defense team, applying mitigation and case management techniques within a criminal public defense setting.

You will conduct psychosocial assessments, collaborate with attorneys, and help develop strategies for release, treatment, and sentencing options in Colorado. The role requires strong confidentiality, English proficiency, and the ability to travel within the state.

Qualifications

• Must be able to perform essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Master’s degree in social work and licensure to practice in Colorado within 90 days of employment.
• Preferred: experience in criminal defense and with adults involved in the criminal justice system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and compile psychosocial histories to develop recommendations for pretrial release, detention, case preparation, and sentencing options.
• Assess physical or mental health issues, substance use, or behavioral health factors affecting the client’s case.
• Collect social and family histories and review records to support defense strategy.
• Assist in identifying medical or mental health experts and interpreting evaluation findings.
• Collaborate with attorneys, communicate regularly with the defense team, and advocate for client options.
• Attend pretrial and sentencing hearings, prepare reports, and provide support as requested by the defense attorney.
• Keep current on statewide resources for client needs and conduct related research.
• Attend multi-agency staffing meetings and possibly supervise interns.

Skills

Client facing

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Education

Master’s degree in social work

Colorado LSW/LCSW licensure within 90 days

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender is seeking a Licensed Social Worker to join the defense team, applying mitigation and case management techniques within a criminal public defense setting.

You will conduct psychosocial assessments, collaborate with attorneys, and help develop strategies for release, treatment, and sentencing options in Colorado. The role requires strong confidentiality, English proficiency, and the ability to travel within the state.