Introduction
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 recruiting to fill
vacancies for Allegany County Social Worker I and Social Worker II, Criminal
Justice. The Office of the Public Defender provides forensic social work
services, including mitigation, to adult and juvenile clients in an indigent
defense environment. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
GRADE
I Level Grade 16 $70,010 - $86,450
II Level Grade 17 $74,705 - $92,290
LOCATION OF POSITION
242-A N. Mechanic Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
Main Purpose of Job
The Social Work Division
is always looking for passionate and dedicated social workers who have a desire
to work alongside public defenders on behalf of indigent clients. Forensic
Social Workers are a critical element of the team-based client-centered
representation model utilized by OPD. This specialized area of social work
practice involves the application of psychosocial theories, social work
skills, and the legal system. Social workers working in this capacity may
be tasked with conducting psychosocial evaluations for mitigation
purposes, assessing and linking clients to evidence-based services, and
when needed, integrating those services into pretrial, sentencing, or alternative
sentencing plans. As a CEU certified site by the Maryland Board of Social
Work Examiners, OPD provides training, professional development, and support to
those looking to develop and grow their forensic social work practice skills.
A
Social Worker I, Criminal Justice is the intermediate level of
professional social work providing defense-based forensic social work services
in an indigent criminal justice environment. An employee working in a
criminal justice environment provides services to clients who have demonstrated
a need for rehabilitative intervention because of serious mental illness,
psychosocial stressors/distress, behavioral factors related to mental health
and co-occurring mental health, substance abuse or other social
adjustment factors. The employee working in an indigent defense environment
provides forensic social work services, and may be tasked with conducting
psychosocial evaluations for mitigation purposes, assessing and linking
clients to evidence-based services, and when needed, integrating those services
into pretrial, sentencing, or alternative sentencing plans for clients charged
with crimes or delinquent offenses and creates a defense strategy with
Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent
cases. Employees in this classification do not supervise.
A Social Worker II, Criminal Justice is the full performance level of
professional social work providing forensic-clinical social work services in
an indigent criminal justice environment. An employee working in a criminal
justice environment provides services to clients who have demonstrated a need
for rehabilitative intervention because of serious mental illness, psychosocial
stressors/distress, behavioral factors related to mental health and co-occurring
mental health/substance use or other social adjustment factors. The Social
Worker II will be tasked with conducting psychosocial evaluations
for mitigation purposes, assessing and linking clients to evidence-based
services, and when needed, integrating those services into pretrial,
sentencing, or alternative sentencing plans and creates a defense strategy with
Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent
cases. Employees in these classifications do not supervise. Candidates
must be willing to work with adults and juvenile clients.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Social Worker I, Criminal Justice:
Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the
licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: None
Social Worker II, Criminal Justice:
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 a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a
commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty
codes in the Social Science, Psychology or Welfare fields of work on a
year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Currently licensed as a LMSW or LCSW-C.
Experience working in a forensic social work setting.
Excellent writing skills and experience writing social histories.
Experience testifying in court.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. (Social Worker I, CJ) Employees are
required to be licensed as a Graduate Social Worker (on or by June 30, 2018),
Master Social Worker (on or after July 1,2018, 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.
(Social Worker II, CJ) 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.
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 for the interview will be
required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview
process.
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.