Social Services Caseworker

Social Services Caseworker

The Social Services Caseworker is responsible for preparing bail release and dispositional plans for the calendar attorneys with whom they work. This includes clinical assessment, treatment recommendation, case management, mitigation, and maintaining a network of treatment referrals for clients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Capacities: A thorough knowledge of social casework and behavioral health principles, practices, and techniques and the ability to apply these principles effectively. A thorough knowledge of individual physical, emotional, and behavioral patterns as well as the social, cultural, ethnic, and economic factors that contribute to personal maladjustment and maladaptive behaviors. A thorough knowledge of resources in the community offering specialized services to people of low-socioeconomic status and people with a history of criminal legal involvement and/or incarceration.

The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with individuals and groups within and outside the agency. Basic computer skills, word processing, and related capacities and abilities.

Minimum Requirements for the Position:

• Education:
  
  Such as may have been gained through possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in sociology, psychology, social work, child development, or a related field;
  And
• Experience:
  
  Such as may have been gained through two years' experience in the field of behavioral health and/or criminal justice.

Proficiency in Spanish is a strong plus.

Ability to pass criminal background check required for entry into court and correctional settings.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment Recommendation:
Interview clients in the community, cellblock, or at the Adult Correctional Institutions as needed as part of a clinical screening and assessment process. Recommend and develop treatment plans for bail release or long-term dispositional planning. Update case files regularly and prior to court dates with notes/memo to file concerning status of the case.

Case Management:
The Social Caseworker will arrange and coordinate treatment for clients as requested by the Public Defender attorney(s) with whom they work. Public Defender attorneys may require presentation of a bail release plan for a client who is awaiting trial or formulation of a dispositional plan for a sentenced client in need of services. This typically includes, but is not limited to, interviewing client and assessing them for appropriate treatment, contacting treatment personnel to arrange admission into treatment, and arranging transportation to treatment.

The caseworker may also need to verify clients' status in treatment for review dates set by the court. The Social Caseworker must also maintain a network of service providers with whom they will work to find appropriate services for Public Defender clients.

Mitigation:
Social Caseworker will assist Public Defender attorneys with mitigation. This includes, but is not limited to, interviewing clients, gathering records, speaking with social supports, family, and employers, and report writing.