Public Defender Social Worker

NCIDS; Homeland, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of the Public Defender, District 10 is seeking a Social Worker to support indigent defense by conducting client assessments, coordinating with attorneys, and advocating for services across housing, health care, and education. The role involves court appearances and collaboration with community providers.

The position requires a Bachelor's in social work with at least one year of related experience; knowledge of the criminal justice system and strong advocacy skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field and one year of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Experience with Enterprise Justice/Odyssey preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate statistics/trends and help form recruitment strategies.
• Conduct client and family interviews and write reports for the defense team.
• Identify services for clients, such as housing, mental health, medical, and education resources.
• Collaborate with attorneys to coordinate cases and advocacy.
• Perform a mini-psychological-social evaluation for the attorney.
• Help communicate between attorneys and clients as needed.
• Build relationships with community services and supports (mental health authorities, housing, DSS/DJJ).
• Attend court with clients and monitor progress during proceedings.
• Assist in transition to probation and setting conditions.
• Participate in meetings with DSS or DJJ to support parents.

Skills

Written communication

Advocacy skills

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Job description

**Agency**Indigent Defense Services**Division**Public Defender 10 District**Job Classification Title**Public Defender Social Worker (S)**Position Number**65029057**Grade**JBFRDO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.**Description of Work**SALARY RANGE: $49,690.00 - $62,000.00THIS POSITION IS TIME-LIMITED, GRANT FUNDED, FULL-TIME. FUNDING FOR THIS POSITION WILL END ON JUNE 30, 2027.The Office of the Public Defender, District 10, is seeking a social worker who is qualified in forensic and prospective social work services that are necessary to indigent defense lawyers representing adult and juvenile clients in criminal, juvenile and family court matters. The social worker would participate not only in the courtroom, but also to advocate for clients in their interactions with community professionals, a task many are unable to navigate without assistance.**Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences**Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:* Evaluate Judicial Branch recruiting statistics/trends and form strategies to attract qualified applicants.* Conduct client and family member interviews; and write reports of client and family meber interviews for other members of the defense team.* Identify and obtain appropriate services based on the client's stated needs, such as access to housing, appropriate mental health and medical services, employment, educational opportunities and other support services.* Work with attorneys to coordinate client cases and advocacy.* Conduct a mini-psychological-social evaluation on the client for the representing attorney.* Assist in communication between attorney and client when necessary.* Establish and develop relationships with community services and potential supports, including, but not limited to, the local mental health authority, law enforcement, community supervision, the housing authority, adult education services, community leaders, and religious communities.* Appear for court settings with client and monitor progress of clients throughout the pendency of their cases(s).* Assist in client transition to probation and development of appropriate conditions.* Participate in visitation and other important meetings with the Department of Social Services and/or Department of Juvenile Justice to enable parents to properly parent their children.## **Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies****Knowledge of:** criminal justice system; public and private organizations and community resources; alternative treatment and/or placement facilities both in and outside of North Carolina; and funding sources for alternative treatment and/or placement facilities.**Skills in:** excellent written, communication and advocacy skills; and proficiency with MC Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.**Ability to:** meet high demands and deadlines often associated with advocating for the rights of consumers within the criminal justice system; develop and conduct educational seminars; and work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team.**Supplemental and Contact Information****INSTRUCTIONS:**Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will **not**be accepted.Before applying, please read the for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.**\\*NOTE\\***Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application *before*submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.*All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.*The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.Charmaine J. LeeksNC Administrative Office of the CourtsHuman Resources Division**Minimum Education and Experience**Some state job postings say you can qualify by an \"equivalent combination of education and experience.\" If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the for details.## **Minimum Education and Experience Requirements**Bachelor's degree in social work or another human services field and one year of work experience in a human services field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.Management prefers candidates with experience using Enterprise Justice/Odyssey.**Attach cover letter and résumé.****EEO Statement**The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.**Recruiter:**Charmaine James Leeks**Email:**[e-mail]