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SOCIAL WORKER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERIES

SOCIAL WORKER I & II, CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Recruitment #24-002004-0001

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Introduction

As a State agency, the 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. 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. 

GRADE

ASTD 16
ASTD 17 

LOCATION OF POSITION

14735 Main Street, Suite 272B, Courthouse
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772

Main Purpose of Job

The Social Work Division is always looking for social justice oriented Social Workers who understand the need to serve indigent communities in a criminal justice setting.  This is a defense-based Forensic Social Worker setting with our Social Workers serving on the defense team as the social work expert with the goal to provide client-centered representation.  This is a specialized area of social work practice that involves the application of a cross-section of psychology and social work theories, social work skills, and the legal system. 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.

All OPD Social Work Supervisors are Board of Social Work Examiners, board-approved clinical supervisors, to ensure that all LMSWs receive regular supervision towards Advanced licensure. 
 
A Social Worker II, Criminal Justice is an experienced clinical Social Worker who will work with clients who have a demonstrated need for restorative intervention because of serious mental illness, psychosocial stressors/distress, behavioral factors related to mental health and co-occurring mental health/substance use disorders or other social adjustment factors. Social Worker II is tasked with conducting biopsychosocial evaluations for mitigation purposes, the assessment of clients for mental health symptomatology and possible mental health diagnoses. 

This Social Worker will need to be able to identify evidence-based treatment and when necessary provide recommendations for treatment. This Social Worker may also be tasked with providing expert witness testimony in court.  These social work services are provided as part of 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 intermediate level of professional social worker who will work with clients who have a demonstrated need for restorative intervention because of mental illness, psychosocial stressors/distress, behavioral factors related to mental health and co-occurring mental health/substance use disorders or other social adjustment factors.  This Social Worker is tasked with the assessment of clients for mental health symptomatology and any behavioral or psychological stressors contributing to the client’s legal defense.  

This Social Worker will need to be able to identify evidence-based treatment and when necessary provide linkage to appropriate services.  When needed, provide written Alternative Sentencing Plans for the clients needs during pretrial, and or sentencing phases. These social work services are provided as part of a defense strategy with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. Employees in this classification 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 biopsychosocial evaluations.
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.

 



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