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
LOCATION OF POSITION
14735 Main Street, Suite 272B
Courthouse
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
Main Purpose of Job
At MOPD, we understand that
involvement in the criminal legal system can be correlated with economic,
environmental and or psychosocial stressors occurring in the lives of our
clients. This is defense-based
Forensic Social Work with our social workers serving on the defense team as the
social work expert with the goal to provide client-centered representation. OPD social workers assess clients’ for trauma,
psychological distress, mental health challenges, and any psychosocial needs. Social
workers are tasked with completing Biopsychosocial evaluations that humanize
our clients, present salient clinical factors and highlight clients’ potential
for change and rehabilitation. Social workers also assess and
identify/link clients to evidence-based treatments. Our ultimate goal is
ensuring that outcomes make sense not only for their legal case, but for their
lives, their families, and our communities. 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 I, Criminal Justice is an entry-level social
worker who will work with clients who have a demonstrated need for restorative
intervention because of psychological distress, behavioral factors related to
mental health and co-occurring mental health/substance use disorders or other
social adjustment factors.
Social Worker I is tasked with assessment and
formulation of Alternative Sentencing plans for clients. Social Worker I will
need to be able to identify evidence-based treatment and when necessary,
provide recommendations for treatment.
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 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.
A 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.
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. Candidates
must be willing to work with adults and juvenile clients.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Social Worker I, Criminal Justice:
Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work. Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: None.
Social Worker II, Criminal Justice:
Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited School of Social Work. 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.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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. (I) 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.
2. (II) 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.
3. 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.
