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SOCIAL WORK MANAGER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE -Internal

Only MOPD Employees Apply

Recruitment #25-002008-0001

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Introduction

Regional Social Work Manager

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 the Regional Social Work Manager, 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.

GRADE

20

LOCATION OF POSITION

Statewide

Main Purpose of Job

A Social Work Manager, Criminal Justice is the managerial level of professional social work providing clinical and therapeutic or forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment. Employees in this classification that work in a criminal justice environment provides clinical and therapeutic services to clients who have demonstrated a need for rehabilitative intervention because of behavioral factors or personality disorders and co-existing mental health, health, substance abuse or other social adjustment factors. Employees in this classification that work in an indigent defense environment provides forensic social work services, including mitigation, to clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and create defense strategies with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. Employees in this classification direct and coordinate all activities of a social work program in a criminal justice or juvenile services setting and supervise Social Work Regional Supervisors, Criminal Justice, or Social Work Supervisors, Criminal Justice and may supervise Social Workers Advanced, Criminal Justice.

POSITION DUTIES

The Social Work Division is seeking social justice oriented social workers who have a desire to work on behalf of indigent clients charged with crimes. Forensic, Public Defense Social Workers are a critical element of the team-based client-centered representation model utilized by OPD. The Social Work Division has Board Approved Supervisors to provide onsite clinical supervision.  We are a Certified-CEU site by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners that ensures training, professional development, and support to those looking to develop and grow their forensic social work practice skills.

The Regional Social Work Manager is a permanent full time, performance level of mid-level managerial leadership to manage Advanced Social Workers, and assigned  District offices and or Divisions of the Office of the Public Defender, to staff to ensure compliance with the State Board of Social Work Examiners. 

The Regional Social Work Manager is responsible for overseeing operations, driving performance, and ensuring alignment between interdisciplinary teams of MOPD, and the goals of MOPD across multiple locations within designated geographic areas. This mid-level leadership role focuses on Advanced Social Work team management, operational efficiency, and strategic execution to ensure high-quality social work service, interdisciplinary team satisfaction, and client centered results driven work.

Key Responsibilities:


*Lead and manage Advanced Social Workers team across the state, and any other designated Divisions within the assigned region.

*Develop and implement regional strategies aligned with overall MOPD mission and vision objectives.

*Monitor performance evaluation and operational metrics to ensure performance targets are met or exceeded.

*Conduct regular site visits to assess performance, provide coaching, and ensure compliance with social work ethics and MOPD mission and values.

*Hire, train, and mentor designated social work supervisors and their teams.

*Analyze regional social work referral trends and designated District needs to identify opportunities for growth.

*Collaborate with the Director of Social Work on policy, planning, and resource allocation.

*Handle escalated customer or operational issues and implement corrective actions as needed.

*Ensure adherence to MOPD policies, NASW Code of Ethics, and legal regulations, and safety standards. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: Six years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic services through the application of the principles, methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling or forensic social work services, including eighteen months of experience completing assessments, formulating diagnostic impressions, treating mental disorders and other conditions or providing psychotherapy as a Certified Social Worker-Clinical and two years of experience supervising lower level Social Workers providing clinical and therapeutic social work to clients.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute a Doctorate degree in social work from an accredited college or university for up to one year of the required experience.

2. 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

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

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

Limited to current MOPD employees only.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees are required to be licensed as a Certified Social Worker-Clinical by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners for eighteen months prior to appointment to social work supervisor positions in State service per Code of Maryland Regulations 10.42.08.04(2)(b) effective July 1, 2004.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of an automobile. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess an appropriate 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 of 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 Services Training Commissions.

5. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services are required to complete the Correctional First Line Supervisor Training within one year of appointment.

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.

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, janynee.bailey-covington@maryland.gov ; 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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