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 dedicated Public Defender Social Worker to join their holistic defense team. This role involves working closely with clients facing legal challenges, providing essential social work services, and advocating for positive alternatives to incarceration. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, empathy, and a solid understanding of the legal system. You will collaborate with attorneys and community service providers to ensure the best outcomes for clients. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those in distress, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; master's preferred.
• Prior experience in social work related to the legal system is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and assessments to understand client needs and challenges.
• Develop and maintain client case records and track outcomes.
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff to support client defense strategies.

Skills

Empathy

Communication Skills

Case Management

Cultural Competency

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Sociology, Social Work, or Psychology

Master’s degree in social work

License Social Worker in state of Ohio

Tools

Biopsychosocial assessments

Job description

Public Defender – Social Worker (2159-47)

Deadline to Apply:
April 4, 2025

Work Location:
Hamilton County Public Defender Office
230 E. Ninth St., 3rd Floor
Cincinnati OH 45202

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 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.
• Master’s degree in social work preferred.
• Bilingual 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 a 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, and 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 ongoing needs of cases and clients.
• Perform 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 a 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.