Social Worker

Position: Social Worker

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Deadline: August 26, 2022

 

The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for a full-time social worker position. The social worker will be stationed in the Los Angeles office. The Federal Public Defender’s Office is committed to the client-centered pursuit of justice by aggressively advocating for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent individuals who are accused or convicted of crimes. 

 

Job Duties: Social workers provide intensive clinical case management services and advocacy for clients at all stages of their criminal case.  Core job duties include preparing clinical needs assessments, mitigation materials and reports, biopsychosocial evaluations, and treatment and re-entry plans; providing client-centered support, crisis intervention, and case management assistance; meeting with clients, including with those who are incarcerated; working with mental health experts, community treatment providers, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other local detention facilities, pretrial services and probation officers, the court, and prosecutors; collaborating with attorneys and other staff regarding client needs, including on an after-hours and emergency basis; supervising volunteer staff, including interns/externs; provide internal and panel training on relevant topics; creation and submission of materials and resource listings for the office intranet and related FPDO web pages; leadership in the continued development of our Social Services Unit as well as participation in our Collaborative Courts (CASA and STAR); and assisting in other social work-related program development and evaluation. 

 

Requirements: All applicants must have an LMSW or LCSW and at least five years of post-masters experience. Preference will be given to applicants with at least three years of clinical experience in a mental health setting. Experience with forensic social work, mental health and addiction treatment, trauma, and social service systems is a plus. The ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish is preferred, but not required. This position may require extensive travel.  Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.  Varying hours including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required. In line with current appropriations law, applicants must be United States citizens or permanent residents seeking citizenship as described here: https://www.uscourts.gov/careers/search-judiciary-jobs/citizenship-requirements-employment-judiciary.

 

Selection Criteria: Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to forensic social work or social justice in the criminal justice system; must have superior oral and written communication and advocacy skills; must be able to develop a rapport with people of different backgrounds; and can work well independently and in teams.  A background investigation is required as a condition of employment.

 

Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.

How to Apply: Apply by emailing a letter of interest, résumé, a writing sample, and three references in a single PDF document to Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Federal Public Defender, at Employment@fpdcdca.org with the subject line: SOCIAL WORKER APPLICATION. All application materials must be received by August 26, 2022, however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis and the open position may be filled before that date. The Federal Public Defender’s Office may fill current and future positions from this vacancy announcement. No phone calls please.