PUBLIC DEFENDER – SOCIAL WORKER (4363-47)

Hamilton County, Ohio; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate and skilled Public Defender - Social Worker to join their team. This role involves working collaboratively with attorneys and support staff to provide holistic defense for indigent clients facing legal challenges. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, empathy, and a solid understanding of social work principles. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals in distress, all while being part of a supportive and dedicated team. If you are motivated to advocate for justice and support vulnerable populations, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• Prior experience in social work, preferably in the legal system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and maintain client case records.
• Facilitate client engagement with appropriate providers and recommend alternatives to incarceration.
• Assist attorneys in gathering client information for court presentations.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Case Management

Interviewing

Cultural Competency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice

Bachelor's degree in Sociology

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Job description

Position:PUBLIC DEFENDER - SOCIAL WORKER (4363-47)

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job Id:4363-47

# of Openings:1

Public Defender – Social Worker (2159-47)

Deadline to Apply:

April 4, 2025

Work Location:

Hamilton County Public Defender Office

230 E. Ninth St., 3 rd Floor

Pay Rate:

Salary Range: $54,000 to $68,000 depending on experience and education.

Job Function Statement:

The Hamilton County Public Defender Office is seeking social work professionals who will be under the general supervision of the Social Work Director. They will also work in collaboration with staff attorneys, investigators, support staff and other professionals. The social worker will be part of a holistic defense team working with adults; specifically, indigent clients who have been charged with misdemeanors or felony offenses.

We are looking for individuals who are good listeners, empathetic, respectful, possess professional boundaries, and are motivated to help individuals who are in distress. All our clients are facing potential probation, jail time or prison. Many of our clients present with several challenges such as: mental illness, substance use disorder, homelessness, physical illness, a lack of community support, and very limited financial resources. The social work professional will provide forensic social work services by assessing client’s needs and eligibility for services. In some cases, this will require visits to the Hamilton County Jail. The social worker will facilitate client engagement with appropriate providers and recommend alternative placement to incarceration. The social work professional will assist attorneys in gathering client information and the presentation of mitigation information on behalf of clients in writing and in the courtroom. The social work professional will maintain a knowledge of available programs and services to assist in ensuring the best outcomes for clients. The social work professional may be asked to supervise interns/students from local universities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related field.
• License Social Worker in state of Ohio preferred.
• Prior experience in the field of social work, preferably associated with the legal system, counseling and knowledge of social service agencies and programs.
• Must have car, a good driving record, valid driver’s license, and current automobile insurance.
• Ability to establish rapport with clients, judges, court personnel, probation officers, attorneys, and support staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Illustrative Duties:

• Develop and maintain client case records. Track outcomes using established procedures.
• Interview clients in jail or in the community, and all pertinent parties, to compile history/information regarding client needs, challenges, goals. Complete biopsychosocial assessments with clients.
• Obtain signed releases of information with clients and inform them of their right to confidentiality. Maintain client confidentiality as required by legal ethics and agency policies.
• Educate the clients about the legal system and social work role as part of the holistic defense team.
• Investigate and propose positive alternatives to incarceration or other potential penalties faced by the client. Assist in identifying service needs and treatment gaps of clients.
• Maintain a working knowledge of social agencies and community service providers and an open line of communication with such agencies.
• Attend court hearings, and other necessary meetings.
• Maintain open communication with attorneys and work with attorneys on defense strategies and the on-going needs of cases and clients.
• Performs other similar duties as may be designated by the Director, investigators, or staff attorneys.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The following are necessary to perform the duties of this classification. Items with * may be developed after employment.

Knowledge of:

Case management; interviewing; psychology and or/human behavior; sociology or social work; agency providers/programs*; federal and state regulations governing delivery of services specific to area in which employed*; treatment team concepts; agency/institution practices and procedures*; public relations; Ohio criminal court system database*.

Skilled in:

Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills; emotional intelligence, cultural competency; public speaking; working knowledge of community services and resources; multi-tasking to meet deadlines.

Ability to:

Develop a rapport with clients; be an effective advocate for clients; handle sensitive face to face contacts and inquiries; define problems; collect data; establish facts and draw valid conclusions; apply principles to solve problems dealing with variety of variables; review and critique individual programming and make recommendations; establish and maintain good relationships with co-workers, attorneys, service providers, stakeholders, and court personnel; use statistical analysis; write accurate and meaningful mitigation reports; carry out instructions in written and oral form.