Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agencys vision is Justice Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence client centered representation tenacious advocacy and are united in achieving the agencys mission.
All applicants must be able to communicate effectively with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fastpaced work environment. Applicants must be able to work in various positions and travel to various courtrooms and office environments in the jurisdiction. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed please contact Tawanda Jackson Human Resources Supervisor
The Office of the Public Defender is seeking a licensed social worker to serve as an essential team member on a state grant focused on children returning home from juvenile detention in the Baltimore region. This is a federal grantfunded position currently funded through September 2027.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
217 E. Redwood Street Baltimore MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Social Work Division is seeking social justice orientedsocial workers who have a desire to work on behalf of indigent clients chargedwith crimes. Forensic Public Defense Social Workers are a critical element ofthe teambased clientcentered representation model utilized by OPD. TheSocial Work Division has Board Approved Supervisors to provide onsite clinicalsupervision. We are a CertifiedCEU site by the Maryland Board of SocialWork Examiners that ensures training professional development and support tothose looking to develop and grow their forensic social work practice skills.
TheSocial Worker will be a key member of the team representing children injuvenile court who are returning home from state custody. Identifying and addressing the needs of youthreturning to the community and develop and implement comprehensive pre andpostrelease reentry plans. The licensedsocial worker will be responsible forcompleting a trauma assessment and a strengthsbased assessment to identify and secure appropriateculturally sensitive communitybasedprograms and support with focused attention on addressing treatment and education needs.
Primary Duties andResponsibilities include:
1 Assessment and planning.
2)Develop a comprehensive release plan.
3)Ongoing evaluation of community intervention plan.
4)Complete Biopsychosocial report with diagnostic impression or ClinicalMemorandum when/if needed for court.
5)coordinate and attend multidisciplinary meetings.
6)Collaborate with Assistant Public Defenders to create a defense strategy forthe legal disposition of delinquent cases.
7)Attend court when needed.
8)Assist with data collection and reporting.
This position is funded bya grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Social Worker I Criminal Justice:
Education:Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: None.
Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in the Social Science Psychology or Welfare fields of work on a yearforyear basis for the required experience.
Social Worker II Criminal Justice:
Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: Two years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic social work services through the application of the principles methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling.
Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in the Social Science Psychology or Welfare fields of work on a yearforyear basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Qualifications:
Currently licensed as an LMSW or LCSWC.
Experience working with at risk youth.
Background and experience in juvenile justice or a forensic social work setting.
Experience conducting screening interviews and assessments and developing treatment plans.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Detailoriented and able to meet internal and external deadlines.
LICENSES REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1.(Social Worker I CJ)Employees are required to be licensed as a Master Social Worker Certified Social Worker or Certified Social WorkerClinical by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license. When the license is obtained submit a copy to the hiring department.
2. (Social Worker II CJ) Employees are required to be licensed as a certified social worker or certified social workerclinical by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license. When the license is obtained submit a copy to the hiring department.
3. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operators license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Employees are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education as determined by the hiring department. Employees who fail to obtain the required continuing education credits shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion suspension and dismissal.
2. Employees of the Department ofJuvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques.
3. Employees of the Department ofJuvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center.
4. Employees of the Department ofJuvenile Services are required to qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified Better Qualified or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants selected for the interview will be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview process.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee you will be responsible for paying 25 of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75 of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage accidental death and dismemberment insurance and life insurance but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online applications preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to.Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender Human Resources Division 6 Saint Paul Street Suite 1304 Baltimore MD 21202; or by callingtoll free:; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service.
Please be sure to include your name identification number (Easy ID# and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the States diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.
SOCIAL WORKER CRIMINAL JUSTICE Series
