SOCIAL WORKER
I
FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER
Open Position
Position: Social Worker
Starting Salary: $53,000 (Subject to applicants experience and Directors Discretion)
Deadline: 09/14/2024
Instructions: Applicants interested in the above position, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] or fax to
614-461-6470.
The Franklin County Public Defender’s Office is now accepting applications for the position of Social Worker in our Municipal Court Unit. We are an office of approximately 150 staff including attorneys, social workers, investigators, law clerks and support staff. We handle every aspect of indigent criminal defense across juvenile, misdemeanor, felony and appellate divisions. Our office is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally diverse staff with expertise and interest in serving our indigent clientele who come to us with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities.
The Office is seeking a self-motivated individual to work as a Social Worker in our Municipal Court Unit. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated dedication to indigent defense, excellent communication (oral and written) skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.
Our Social Workers work with our attorneys to assist our clients in achieving better outcomes for their cases and lives. The typical job duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Interviews client, family and all pertinent parties to compile social histories and information relative to client’s presenting problems, environment, behavior patterns, etc.
- Accumulates and reviews available facts about the case and the client from attorney.
- Interviews clients to observe and discover necessary information such as substance abuse and mental health issues, treatment efforts, family support etc. Interviews may be in office, at court, at client’s home or at a jail.
- Aids defense attorney by assessing clients for possible competency evaluations and psychological testing.
- Educates clients on the workings of the court system and provide information and referrals on community services to clients and families.
- Attends court hearings and work with defense attorney on defense strategy and on-going needs of the case.
- Makes field investigations, including discussions with client family members, friends, neighbors, etc.
- Communicates with witnesses and professionals, including probation/parole officers and case managers.
- Obtains records from hospitals, mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, schools, jails, prisons etc.
- Makes recommendations relative to sentencing alternatives, clients’ efforts to correct problems etc. Prepares pre-sentence reports.
Maintains a knowledge of social agencies and their services and a line of communication with such agencies.
- In cases that result in incarceration, when appropriate, pursues early release options and/or furlough opportunities, advises client, etc.
- Assist with clients navigating into specialty court dockets.
- Performs other similar and related duties as may be designated by the Unit Chief or Attorneys.
Requirements:
- Four (4) year degree in an accredited college or university in Social Work.
- Must have a current License for Social Work (LSW) in the State of Ohio.
- One (1) year of experience in the field of social work, preferably associated with the judicial system, counseling and knowledge of local social agencies and services.
- Ability to effectively communicate with clients and others, both inside and outside the Public Defender organization.
- Must have a car, good driving record, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information relative to clients and other associates.
373 South High Street, 12th
Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-8980 or (614) 525-3194