Psycho Forensic Evaluator I

The Delaware Office of Defense Services (ODS) is committed to ensuring that every person—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—is treated fairly and respectfully in the justice system. As Delaware’s public defender agency, ODS protects constitutional rights, supports individuals and families during difficult moments, and works to strengthen trust and fairness across our communities.

Our mission is zealous advocacy for the people. This simple but powerful commitment guides every aspect of our work and reflects our belief that justice must be accessible, humane, and rooted in dignity for all Delawareans. Our work is carried out by a team of dedicated attorneys and professionals across Central Administration, the Public Defender’s Office, and Office of Conflicts Counsel. More than 200 staff members serve Delawareans with compassion, integrity, and a deep belief that dignity, equity, and justice must be accessible to all.

Assistant Public Defenders—together with investigators, forensic social specialists, mitigation specialists, client advocates, legal assistants, and administrative staff—stand beside adults and youth navigating criminal and delinquency charges. They also represent parents in abuse and neglect proceeding in the Family Court, helping protect the fundamental rights of families and ensuring parents have a meaningful voice when facing life-altering decisions. Across all case types, our teams connect clients with needed services, challenge systemic barriers that deepen inequity, and advocate for outcomes that promote healing, stability, and stronger communities. Through this work, ODS strives to ensure that justice in Delaware is not just a principle, but a lived experience for every person we serve.

The Office of Defense Service's Public Defender Unit is seeking a highly motivated, organized, master's level human service professional for a full-time Forensic Social Specialist position in the Sussex County Forensic Social Services (FSS) Unit.

The Forensic Social Specialist will provide assessment, mitigation and treatment service referrals to Public Defender clients. The Forensic Social Specialist will provide mitigation and support services to assist the attorneys in gathering background information, conducting evaluations, providing mitigation and implementing treatment and alternative sentencing plans as part of the Public Defender defense team.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

• Interviews clients, family members, treatment providers and DOC personnel
• Provides support services, which can include referrals to mental health treatment, employment, and housing services
• Coordinates with community-based treatment providers and the criminal justice system
• Writes mitigation reports and treatment plans for case resolution
• Gathers and reviews records and assists with reentry efforts
• Collaborates with attorneys as members of the defense team

The candidate must possess:

• A Master's Degree in a human service field
• Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills and clinical skills.
• The ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
• Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-driven environment
• Skill and ability in managing multiple projects at once.

• Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
• This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.  
• This posting may close before 2/7/2026 upon filling the vacant position.

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
• Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

• Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
• 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
• Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

The application and RESUME are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the RESUME to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.