Introduction
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 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 recruiting to fill a vacancy for Baltimore County Social Worker II, Criminal Justice. The Office of the Public Defender provides forensic social work services, including mitigation, to adult and juvenile clients in an indigent defense environment. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.
GRADE
ASTD17
LOCATION OF POSITION
217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Social Work Division is always looking for passionate and dedicated social workers who have a desire to work alongside public defenders on behalf of indigent clients. Forensic Social Workers are a critical element of the team-based client-centered representation model utilized by OPD.
This specialized area of social work practice involves the application of psychosocial theories, social work skills, and the legal system. Social workers working in this capacity may be tasked with conducting psychosocial evaluations for mitigation purposes, assessing and linking clients to evidence-based services, and when needed, integrating those services into pretrial, sentencing, or alternative sentencing plans. As a CEU certified site by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, OPD provides training, professional development, and support to those looking to develop and grow their forensic social work practice skills. A Social Worker II, Criminal Justice is the part time, full performance level of professional social work providing forensic-clinical social work services in an indigent criminal justice environment. An employee working in a criminal justice environment provides services to clients who have demonstrated a need for rehabilitative intervention because of serious mental illness, psychosocial stressors/distress, behavioral factors related to mental health and co-occurring mental health/substance use or other social adjustment factors.
The Social Worker II will be tasked with conducting psychosocial evaluations for mitigation purposes, assessing and linking juvenile clients charged as adults to evidence-based services, and when needed, providing expert witness testimony, and creating a defense strategy with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. Employees in these classifications do not supervise.
Candidates must be willing to work with an at-risk juvenile population.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: Two years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic social work services through the application of the principles, methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling.
Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at the rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in Social Science, Psychology or Welfare fields of work for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Currently licensed as a LCSW-C.
Experience working in a forensic social work setting.
Excellent writing skills and experience writing social histories.
Experience testifying in court.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees are required to be licensed as a Certified Social Worker or Certified Social Worker-Clinical by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license. When the license is obtained, submit a copy to the hiring department.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Employees are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education as determined by the hiring department. Employees who fail to obtain the required continuing education credits shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal.
2. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques.
3. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center.
4. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services are required to qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.
SELECTION PROCESS
Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants selected for the interview will be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview process.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
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, Janynee.Bailey-Covington@Maryland.gov; 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.
