Social Worker I, Criminal Justice
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Job Location:
Montgomery, TX - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 74290 - 103309
Posted on:
08-11-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Introduction
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
Main Purpose of Job
POSITION DUTIES
The Social Work Division is seeking dedicated social justiceoriented social workers who are committed to litigation support for indigent clients facing criminal charges. As a Forensic Public Defense Social Worker with the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) you will be an essential member of an interdisciplinary defense team that provides client-centered legal representation.
This role involves the social worker on the defense team who completes an assessment of the clients functioning and needs engages in case consultations with the Assistant Public Defender and completes the designated social work assignment in preparation for the clients legal proceeding.
This social work practice applies social work values principles and techniques to assist indigent clients during criminal legal proceedings. Responsibilities may include conducting psychosocial assessments for mitigation connecting clients to evidence-based services and developing pretrial sentencing or alternative sentencing plans that integrate those needed services that restore or enhance psychosocial functioning.
We offer robust support for your professional development. The Social Work Division provides on-site clinical supervision from Board-approved supervisors and is a Certified CEU provider through the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. Our commitment to ongoing training and mentorship makes this an ideal opportunity for social workers looking to grow in the field of forensic social work.
The Social Worker I is the intermediate level of professional social work providing public defense forensic social work services in an indigent criminal legal environment. This Social Worker primarily conducts assessments of clients identifies treatment needs engages in planning information and referral to an evidence-based provider in the community with the goal to divert the client from jail or identifies appropriate services to meet identified needs for release to the community. The Social Worker I will gain specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in mitigation for clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and create defense strategies with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases.
Candidates must be willing to work with the population of detained and or incarcerated individuals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: None
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
LICENSES REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees are required to be licensed as a Graduate Social Worker (on or by June 30 2018) Master Social Worker (on or after July 12018 Certified Social Worker or Certified Social Worker-Clinical 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. 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.
of theDepartment of Juvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques.
3. Employees of theDepartment of Juvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center.
4. Employees of theDepartment of Juvenile Services are required to qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
SELECTION PROCESS
EXAMINATION 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 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 calling toll 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.
Key Skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- Acute Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavioral Health
- Intake Experience
- Hospice Care
- Case Management
- Home Care
- Child Welfare
- Experience with Children
- Social Work
- Addiction Counseling
