SOCIAL WORKER, CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERIES

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 local detention centers, communities, 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 seeking a licensed social worker to serve as an essential team member on a grant-funded project to provide defense-based forensic social work services, including mitigation, to juvenile clients in an indigent defense environment. The applicant will work exclusively and extensively with adolescents who are charged as adults and their families to provide linkage to resources that address structural barriers to success and will aid in reducing recidivism.  This grant  position is currently funded through September 30, 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on funding.

A Social Worker I, Criminal Justice is the intermediate level of professional social work providing clinical and therapeutic or forensic social work services in either a criminal justice or indigent defense environment. An employee working 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. The employee working in an indigent defense environment provides forensic social work services, including mitigation, to clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and creates a defense strategy with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. Employees in this classification do not supervise.

A Social Worker II, Criminal Justice is the full performance level of professional social work providing clinical and forensic social work services in an indigent defense environment, including mitigation, to adult and juvenile clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and creates a defense strategy with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. The chosen applicant will conduct psychosocial evaluations and testify regarding their clinical findings and recommendations. The applicant will work exclusively and extensively with adolescents, who are charged as adults and their families to provide linkage to resources that address structural barriers to success and will aid in reducing recidivism. The Social Worker II provides clinical and forensic services to clients that 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 these classifications do not supervise. Candidates must be willing to work with adults and juvenile clients.

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

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; 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.