Public Defense Social Worker

Job Description

If you love social work, the Bannock County's Public Defender's Office has a great job for you! We are looking to hire a social worker that will help defendants with appropriate assessments, community-based resources, evaluations, mental health and substance abuse treatment, education programs, and crisis services. Understanding the needs of our clients will help the defense attorney's approach in a case.

If this sounds like something you may enjoy doing, then invest in you and help improve the Community at the same time. Bannock County is a place where you can make a real difference.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Performs social work services for clients of the Public Defender's office. Consults with attorney, staff and others; performs assessments, screenings, and referrals to community-based programs to address clients' needs; and performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Conducts assessments of clients;

Identifies and recommends community-based resources to address clients' needs;

Assists attorneys with evaluating clients' needs;

Assists attorneys and clients directly with obtaining resources and services for clients, including, but not limited to recommending mental health services, treatment, clinics, evaluators, and/or programs; education programs; child welfare and human service agencies; inpatient care; housing; community development programs; substance abuse treatment and/or counseling; and various other court-ordered evaluations, programs, and/or treatment;

Completes need and risk assessments to determine need and eligibility for services and level of care

Identifies and teams with other community resource agencies to design, coordinate, and provide client assistance and intervention;

Assists clients in accessing crisis services when needed and/or makes appropriate calls for follow up in consultation with supervisor and handling attorney

Conducts follow-ups with clients to support client well-being and continued contact with the Public Defender's office;

Prepares written assessments, reports, and documentation for presentation in Court, as requested

Serves as a liaison with law enforcement agencies, trial court administration, community-based resources, and various other professionals and court-related officials.

Communicates and coordinates with other justice-related agencies;

Attend community meetings pertaining to community resources, behavioral healthcare, housing, and client care as needed

Assists with training and development of social work interns/practicum students

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Works with community-based resources; and

Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university and must be a licensed Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of Idaho;

Experience and knowledge working in the justice system and social services preferred;

Knowledge of the principles and practices of social services;

Core understanding of human development, systems, psychological, and treatment theories;

Knowledge of program development and needs assessment;

Skill in developing rapport, trust, and cooperation of persons;

Skill in creating a comfortable atmosphere for conducting successful client, family, and witness interviews;

Skill in making appropriate assessments;

Skill in developing and/or implementing treatment plans;

Skill in documentation including, but not limited to, written notes and report writing

Ability to use professional judgment in the application of appropriate policies and guidelines;

Ability to communicate with and relate to a wide variety of professionals, police officers, criminals, witnesses, and persons who are indigent, illiterate, and/or other clients of the Public Defender;

Ability to work effectively as a team member;

Ability to collaborate with a variety of agencies within the community;

Ability to plan and organize work;

Ability to understand and interpret laws and regulations;

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbent must have a strong desire to work with at-risk individuals;

Must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and the Idaho State Bar's Rules of Professional Conduct;

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and the employee in this class is subject to inside environmental conditions;

Position frequently requires a combination of sitting and standing to accomplish tasks and the ability to lift up to 20lbs.;

Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, which permits the employee to function in a general office environment and in a classroom setting to accomplish tasks.

DISCLAIMER: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Bannock County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.

Bannock County recognizes that employees are our most valuable asset. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees designed to support the health, wellness and long-term financial stability of our employees and their families.

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