SOCIAL WORKER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE Series

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 (OPD) provides forensic, public defense social work services to adult and or youth clients in an indigent defense environment. OPD is recruiting to fill a vacancy for a Social Worker I, Criminal Justice, to work with youth charged as adults. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.  This is a contractual position on a grant that is funded through September 2026 and subject to continued funding availability. 

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The social worker will (1) clinically assess clients for behavioral health needs; (2) prepare mitigation reports and testimony for transfer hearings; and (3) provide ongoing advocacy and support to clients to help them access age-appropriate treatment.  This social worker 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 social work practice applies social work values, principles, and techniques to assist indigent clients during criminal legal proceedings.  Responsibilities may include conducting psychosocial assessments for mitigation, connecting clients to evidence-based services, and developing pretrial, sentencing, or alternative sentencing plans that integrate those needed services that restore or enhance psychosocial functioning.

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. This is a grant-funded position. The role includes collecting case data for grant progress reports.

This is a contractual position. Please see the information below on the benefits provided to Contractual employees.

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

Experience: None

Social Worker II:

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 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.

Experience testifying in court. 

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.

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 at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

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.