SOCIAL WORKER ADVANCED, CRIMINAL JUSTICE

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 Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission.

The Office of the Public Defender is recruiting to fill a Social Worker Advanced, Criminal Justice vacancy in its Mental Health Division. Advanced Social Workers in the Office of the Public Defender provide expert clinical and therapeutic or forensic social work service in an indigent defense environment.  An Advanced Social Worker in our Mental Health Division will work in psychiatric hospitals and will need to be familiar with the process of involuntary hospitalization. Statewide travel will be required for this position.

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200 Washington Avenue, Suite 303, Towson, MD 21204

A Social Worker Advanced, Criminal Justice is the advanced level of professional social work providing expert clinical and therapeutic or forensic social work services in either a criminal justice or indigent defense environment. Employees in this classification work in an indigent defense environment providing forensic social work services, including mitigation to clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and create defense strategies with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. Employees in this classification can act as an independent clinician. The Office of the Public Defender is seeking individuals with a strong background in mental health as well as knowledge of substance abuse and developmental disabilities.

An Advanced Social Worker in our Mental Health Division will need working knowledge of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization including involuntary hospitalization procedures and Administrative Law Judge Hearings, experience with findings of Incompetent to Stand Trial and Not Criminally Responsible in criminal cases, revocation hearings for conditional releases, and knowledge of the variety of community resources that can provide the least restrictive services to our clients. The Advanced Social Worker will travel around the State of Maryland to attend hearings, assess clients, and successfully interact with various treatments teams.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions but may act as mentors to lower-level Social Workers, Criminal Justice.

Education:   Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.

Experience: Three years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic or other social work services through the application of the principles, methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling or forensic social work services.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Doctorate degree in social work from an accredited college or university for up to one year of the required experience.

2. 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.

Currently licensed as an LCSW-C that can act as an independent clinician.

Experience working in a forensic social work setting.

A strong background in Mental Health.

Experience working with clients with substance abuse disorders and developmental disabilities.

Working knowledge of inpatient psychiatric hospitalization including involuntary hospitalization procedures and Administrative Law Judge Hearings.

Excellent writing skills and experience writing social histories.

Experience testifying in court.

1. Employees are required to be licensed as a 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.

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 must qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.

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.

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 for interview will be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview process.

Online applications preferred.  Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134. 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.