Public Defender Social Worker

Agency

Indigent Defense Services

Division

PUBLIC DEFENDER 39 DISTRICT

Job Classification Title

Public Defender Social Worker (S)

Position Number

65035112

Grade

JBFR

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY RANGE: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00

The primary purpose of the Public Defender Social Worker is to collaborate with attorneys to help clients address the underlying causes and consequences of their involvement in the criminal justice system. Additionally, the Public Defender Social Worker would also have administrative duties. This position will be in Lincoln County.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide referrals for clients seeking housing, employment services, mental health or substance use treatment, and other social services.

•  Visit clients in custody to conduct initial assessments, screenings, and interviews.

• Answering telephone calls and opening case files electronically to assist attorneys and legal assistants.

•  Work with local jails to ensure clients are being treated for physical and behavioral health issues, including receiving the proper medications, if appropriate.

• Interview family, friends, teachers, employers, and others to obtain a complete picture of the client's situation.

• Obtain clients' records from all relevant sources; review records; and prepare summary of records.

• Collaborate with attorneys in developing mitigation evidence for pre-trial negotiations, trials, and sentencing purposes.

• Collaborate with attorneys to provide case management services for clients.

• Establish and maintain a database of local and state services and treatment options.

• Provide referrals for clients seeking housing, employment services, mental health or substance use treatment, and other social services.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies Knowledge of:

Social Work:  

• placement and treatment options in the local community
• screening diagnostic tools for client interviews including evidence-based risk and other assessment instruments,
•  willingness and ability to meet with clients in custody and assist them with substance abuse and mental health treatment resources, and
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with attorneys to achieve best outcome for clients.

Administrative Duties: 

• oral and written communication skills.
• organizational and time management skills including ability to assist attorneys with scheduling.
• computers and word processing skills to prepare reports, summaries, mitigation notebooks, and any other relevant documents, and
• strong telephone communication skills to assist client intake and appointments.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

*NOTE*Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more, click on these links:

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Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Charmaine Leeks

Email:

[email protected]