Introduction
INTERNAL RECRUITMENT - LIMITED TO MOPD EMPLOYEES.
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 Montgomery County Social
Worker I/II, Criminal Justice. The
Office of the Public Defender provides forensic social work services for
juvenile clients in an indigent defense environment. Bilingual applicants are
encouraged to apply.
GRADE
LOCATION OF POSITION
191 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20850
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 Public Defense 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
I/II, Criminal Justice is a permanent full time, performance level of professional social work
providing forensic, public defense 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 intervention because of 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 I/II will be tasked with conducting
Biopsychosocial evaluations for mitigation purposes, assessing and linking
juvenile clients charged as adults to evidence-based services, and when needed,
providing expert witness testimony, and creates 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
Social Worker I, Criminal Justice:
Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.
Experience: None
Social Worker II, Criminal Justice:
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 a rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in the Social Science, Psychology or Welfare fields of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Currently licensed as an LMSW or an LCSW-C.
Experience working in a forensic social work setting.
Excellent writing skills and experience writing psychosocial assessments.
Experience testifying in court.
LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION
RECRUITMENT LIMITED TO MOPD EMPLOYEES ONLY.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
I Level:
1. Employees are required to be licensed as a Graduate Social Worker (on or by June 30, 2018), Master Social Worker (on or after July 1,2018, 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.
II Level:
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
Both levels
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; 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.
