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SOCIAL WORKER II, CRIMINAL JUSTICE

SOCIAL WORK COORDINATOR – PARENTAL DEFENSE

Recruitment #20-002004-0002

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



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