Family Svs Caseworker II

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. 

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.  Applicants must be able to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship.  

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503  tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.  The Office of the Public Defender is seeking a casework specialist to serve as an essential team member on a private grant to encourage community-based treatment for justice involved children in Prince George’s County with a behavioral health need. This is a grant-funded position expected to run through September 2025.

ASTD14

14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

The Casework Specialist will be a key member of the team working to develop and implement community-based alternatives to detention for justice-involved youth in Prince George’s County who have a mental health and/or substance abuse issue. This position is funded by a grant from the CareFirst Foundation and is expected to run through September 2025. The Case Work Specialist will assist with the implementation of individualized service plans, by providing referrals, case management, and ongoing support to youth who are involved in the juvenile justice system and experiencing a behavioral health issue.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities include:

 

• Collaborate with the grant social worker to implement service plans for project participants by assisting with referrals to appropriate mental health and drug treatment and other services.
• Provide case management and ongoing support to participating children and, as appropriate for the child’s wellbeing, their families 
• Collaborate with attorneys on client treatment status and juvenile case
• Assist with data collection, reporting obligations, and other project activities.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate behavioral science, such as: child development, sociology, social work, psychology, counseling, nursing, criminology, juvenile justice, human growth and development, human services, mental health or human resources management that includes at least 30 credit hours in human services or human development.

Experience: Two years providing casework or community organizational services in a public or private social service agency.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a License as a Bachelor of Social Work from the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners for one year of the required experience.

2. These requirements are established by the Social Services Administration by authority provided in Human Services Article, Title 4, Subtitle 301, Section (b) (1) of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits does not have the authority to accept substitutions or equivalents.

Background and experience in juvenile justice and/or substance abuse.

Experience 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

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties that 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 in this classification must complete an approved training program and pass a competency test prior to permanent appointment to positions.

2. Employees in this classification are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education as determined by the Department of Human Services. Employees who fail to obtain the required continuing education credits shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal.

3. Employees in this classification may be subject to on-call duty and may be required to provide telephone numbers at where they can be reached.

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 may be required to provide a writing sample.

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.

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.