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SOCIAL WORKER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE Series

Social Worker I & II, CJ Statewide

Recruitment #25-002004-0007

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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 a vacancy for a Social Worker I/II, Criminal Justice.  The Office of the Public Defender provides forensic, public defense social work services to adult and or youth clients in an indigent defense environment. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply

Location:  Baltimore County Office; permanent position may cover cases in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, PG County and Harford County.  Eligible for mileage reimbursement.

***You are required to submit a writing sample of a psychosocial assessment.  Please use one of of the avaliable slots in the additional required materials section.***

GRADE

ASTD16
ASTD17

LOCATION OF POSITION

200 Washington Ave, Towson, Maryland 21204

Main Purpose of Job

The Social Work Division is seeking dedicated, social justice–oriented social workers who are committed to litigation support for indigent clients facing criminal charges. As a Forensic Public Defense Social Worker with the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), you will be an essential member of an interdisciplinary defense team that provides client-centered legal representation.

This specialized role involves the social worker as the social work expert on the defense team who completes an assessment of the clients functioning, engages in case consultations with the Assistant Public Defender, and completes  the designated social work assignment in preparation for the client’s legal proceeding. 

This work involves theory, clinical social work skills, and legal knowledge to support vulnerable individuals involved in the criminal legal system. Responsibilities may include conducting psychosocial evaluations for mitigation, connecting clients to evidence-based services, and developing pretrial, sentencing, or alternative sentencing plans that integrate those services.

We offer robust support for your professional development. The Social Work Division provides on-site clinical supervision from Board-approved supervisors and is a Certified CEU provider through the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners. Our commitment to ongoing training and mentorship makes this an ideal opportunity for social workers looking to grow in the field of forensic social work.

The Social Worker I is the intermediate level of professional social work providing public defense, forensic social work services in an indigent, criminal legal environment. This Social Worker primarily conducts assessments of clients, identifies treatment needs, engages in planning, information and referral to an evidence-based provider in the community with the goal to divert the client from jail or identifies appropriate services to meet identified needs for release to the community.  The Social Worker I, will gain specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in mitigation for clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and create defense strategies with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. 

The Social Worker II is the full performance level of professional social work providing clinical, public defense, forensic social work services in an indigent, criminal legal environment. This Social Worker is the clinical expert on the defense team who provides expert clinical case consultation to Assistant Public Defenders to assist in developing a defense strategy for clients charged with criminal or delinquent offenses.  The Social Worker II primarily works as a mitigation specialist who completes a biopsychosocial report prepared for court proceedings.  This Social Worker completes clinical assessments, utilizes assessment tools, is able to formulate a diagnostic impression when needed or appropriate for litigation strategies.  This Social Worker will gain specialized knowledge and skills in expert witness testimony.  

Candidates must be willing to work with the population of detained and or incarcerated individuals. 

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.


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.

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Currently licensed as an LMSW or an LCSW-C.
Experience working in a forensic social work setting. 
Experience with trauma informed approaches.
Excellent writing skills and experience writing psychosocial assessments.
Experience testifying in court. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

(Social Worker I, CJ) Employees are required to be licensed as a licensed master social worker 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-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. 

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

***You are required to submit a writing sample of a psychosocial assessment.  Please use one of the avaliable slots in the additional required materials section.***

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

BENEFITS

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 janynee.bailey-covington@maryland.gov,, 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, and encourage them to apply.




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