Introduction
The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is to promote Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of a culture of excellence, client-centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and unity in achieving the agency’s mission.
The Office of the Public Defender is seeking a licensed social work supervisor (LCSW-C) to provide clinical and supervisory coordination services in our Parental Defense Division, supporting parents whose children have been separated from them by the DSS. Under the direction of the Director of Social Work, this position will oversee the agency’s Title IV-E matching funds services.
GRADE
ASTD17
LOCATION OF POSITION
6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Parental Defense Social Work Supervisor will serve as the Clinical Coordinator for a team of Master level social workers who are referred to as Parent Care Coordinators. This team of social workers in the Parental Defense Division will be an important part of a high-quality, interdisciplinary legal defense team. Assistant Public Defenders and Social Workers will work together to provide legal representation to a parent involved in a child welfare case. Social Workers working on behalf of a multidisciplinary team will be dedicated to and promote parent engagement, and understanding of the child welfare process.
POSITION DUTIES
The Parental Defense Social Work Supervisor will serve as the Clinical Coordinator for a team of
Master level social workers who are referred to as Parent Care Coordinators. This team of social
workers in the Parental Defense Division will be an important part of a high-quality, interdisciplinary
legal defense team. Assistant Public Defenders and Social Workers will work together to provide
legal representation to a parent involved in a child welfare case. Social Workers working on behalf
of a multidisciplinary team will be dedicated to and promote parent engagement, and understanding
of the child welfare process.
Title IV-E funds are dedicated to providing social work expertise and services as part of the defense
team representing parents whose children have been placed in the custody of DSS. This position
requires in-depth understanding and knowledge about the child welfare system and court process,
and offers a unique opportunity in child welfare and forensic social work. We are defense-based
social workers who are client-centered, and this position requires social workers with the core belief
that all parents have strengths.
A Social Work Supervisor provides the full performance level of professional social work providing
clinical supervision in the areas of child welfare and forensic social work services on behalf of a legal
multidisciplinary defense team in the disposition of abuse and neglect cases.
The Social Work
Supervisor provides clinical supervision, and manages the referrals and assignments of parent
cases to the social work team.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:
● Plans, coordinates, and evaluates the work of LMSW Social Workers in the Parental
Defense Division;
● Responsible for providing clinical supervision to LMSWs;
● Able to provide expert clinical analysis and assessment, when needed;
● Able to provide instruction and supervision in the development of Ecomaps, Timelines and
Genograms.
● Able to complete clinical assessments and treatment recommendations for presentation to
court;
● Serve as a presenter in expert social work training sessions.
● Ensure that NASW Code of Ethics, and best practice policies and procedures for social
workers, are being followed in the representation of parents in abuse and neglect
proceedings;
● Represent social workers as needed in multi-disciplinary teams and interagency meetings on
behalf of Office of the Public Defender clients.
● Develop, maintain and close client case files in accordance with Office of the Public
Defender procedures and maintain client confidentiality.
● Assist with data collection and reporting required for Title IV-E funding.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: Two years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic social work services through the application of the principles, methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling.
Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at the rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in Social Science, Psychology or Welfare fields of work for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Currently licensed as an LCSW-C.
Background and experience in child welfare and/or forensic social work.
Experience supervising social workers, conducting screening interviews and assessments, and
developing treatment plans.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Detail-oriented and able to meet internal and external deadlines.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees are required to be licensed as a 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 operator’s 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.
2. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques.
3. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center.
4. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services are required to qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
5. In State Travel Required.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet
the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be
submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful
candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the
employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the
requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the
rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and
accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this
position. Applicants selected to interview will be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview 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 who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues 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 (410)
333-2260.
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 (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service
800-735-2258.
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 State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual
candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country