Social Work Assistant - Lima, OH

Social Work Assistant – Lima, OH

Join the State of Ohio’s Office of the Public Defender as a Social Work Assistant in the Northwest Regional Hub (NWRH) in Lima. You will serve indigent clients facing criminal charges across Allen, Hardin, and Putnam Counties, providing client‑centered representation, basic social services, and holistic support throughout the legal process.

Lima, OH (intermittent travel to Allen, Hardin, and Putnam Counties)

As a Social Work Assistant you will assess clients’ needs for medical, financial, and housing assistance, make referrals, track client data, and coordinate community interventions to reduce recidivism. You will collaborate closely with attorneys, administrative staff, and community service providers.

• Perform basic assessment of clients’ needs for medical, financial, housing, and community resources.
  • Assess referred clients at moderate‑high risk to reoffend and those released under diversion or community control.
  • Interview clients, review case files, and speak with clients’ attorneys.
  • Request client records (court, medical, education, jail/program credit).
• Make necessary referrals and submit paperwork for eligibility determination by provider.
  • Research available resources at government entities, faith and community‑based organizations, and other service providers.
  • Assist in securing medical benefits, housing, utility bill assistance, veterans assistance, and other assistance.
  • Identify and coordinate appropriate community interventions addressing client and family needs.
• Track client progress and outcomes.
  • Participate in planning of support systems for clients.
  • Maintain data on current clients and local social services; track court‑ordered evaluation scheduling.
  • Input records and case notes into web‑based case management system.
  • Prepare and maintain required reports and progress notes.
• Maintain working relationships with attorneys, justice stakeholders, clients, families, and facilities.
• Under direction of State Assistant Public Defenders, prepare written and oral statements for in‑court presentations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Answer phone calls and forward to appropriate parties.
  • Coordinate attorney calls to clients and visits to county jails and state prisons.
  • Assist with retrieving documents from courts and other offices.
  • Provide administrative and clerical assistance.

• Passion for working with a large team and assisting individuals facing poverty.
• Professional or volunteer experience in promoting a fair justice system.
• Strong communication and organization skills.
• Self‑motivated, comfortable communicating via Teams or other conferencing software.
• Requires current registration as a Social Work Assistant issued by the State of Ohio Social Work Board (ORC 4757.29).

Pay Range: $51,355 – $63,294 (1199 Pay Schedule, Step 1 hourly $24.69–$30.43, with annual adjustments and 180‑day step progression).

Intermittent travel expected week‑to‑week based on business or client needs.

To apply, submit your application through the Ohio Public Defender career portal. The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If accommodation is needed to participate in the application or interview process, contact 614‑466‑5394 or HCMo.gov.

Ohio Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.