Social Worker

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office.

The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients.

We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success. Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

• This position requires State of Colorado residency on your first day of employment, and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position. No relocation assistance will be available.
• Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now nor in the future.

• This position requires State of Colorado residency on your first day of employment, and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position. No relocation assistance will be available.
• Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now nor in the future.

• Medical Insurance
• Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
• Dental Insurance
• State Paid Life Insurance
• State Paid Short-Term Disability
• FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
• Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
• Flexible Schedules
• 11 paid holidays
• Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
• Colorado PERA
• 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit .

For additional information on PERA visit .

The Licensed Social Worker is the first level within the social worker series wherein employees are oriented to the role of mitigation, case management release planning, and forensic social work in a criminal public defense system; apply relevant techniques, methods and/or theories of the profession within that role; and, learn to apply their social work practice within the policies, procedures, rules and regulations specific to the Colorado State Public Defender.

Public Defender Social Workers serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Social Workers perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney.

• Conduct assessments and compile psychosocial histories to develop recommendations concerning pretrial release, detention, case preparation, alternative placements, treatment options, conditions of probation or diversion, and sentencing…