Case Worker

Job Summary

The Travis County Public Defender's Office is a comprehensive public defender office envisioned to be client-centered, independent, and innovative to the needs of the Travis County community. Consistent with nationally recognized best practices, the PDO provides high-quality holistic defense representation and other support to its clients. We represent youth in Juvenile Court and adults, including those living with serious mental illness/intellectual or developmental disability, in Criminal Court.

As key part of the interdisciplinary team, the case worker works closely with clients, PDO attorneys and other advocates to provide case support including intensive case management to justice involved clients, determining client eligibility for a variety of social services available, and/or providing other social services related to crisis intervention and short-term case management. The case worker interviews clients, identifies community resources that are responsive to client needs, and provides ongoing support and advocacy.

The case worker also refers clients to clinical and social service provider resources.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the eligibility-related functions and short-term case management for various clients. This classification interviews clients and collects eligibility documentation to determine appropriate social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Duties also include problem-solving assistance and functioning as an advocate on behalf of the client.

This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Interviews clients at various locations including but not limited to jails, community, court and homes and develops a strengths based needs assessment.
• Requests medical, educational, institutional records as needed in support of legal case.
• Provides case management services for clients. Conducts ongoing assessment of client needs. Develops casework/service plans, supports progress and follow-up. Provides social services related to crisis intervention.
• Coordinates with other service agencies, organizations, and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as well as referrals. Serves as an advocate on behalf of client. Makes appropriate referrals and warm hand offs to other social service, education, and/or health agencies as needed. Interprets eligibility requirements, policy and procedures to clients, other agencies, vendors and governmental entities.
• May provide short and long-term case management, crisis intervention and service coordination to ensure maximum self-sufficiency. May provide short-term independent living skills assistance and training.
• May assist clients in obtaining vocational and employment services.
• Reminds clients of court dates and court mandated appointments and provide transportation as needed.
• Provides timely, thorough documentation of all client services and related communications in case management system.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Valid Texas Driver's License.

Please attach resume to online application.

Preferred:

• Applications with a cover letter detailing interest in the position, including why you want to work for the Travis County Public Defender's Office.
• Ability to interview indigent clients to assess their legal and social support needs.
• Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish.
• Mission-aligned experience (work or lived) advocating on behalf of or supporting…