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JOB SUMMARY
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Under general supervision the Deputy Public Defender, this position provides services to clients of the Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender. Clients are adults and children involved with the criminal justice system, juvenile justice system, and child welfare system. Services include case management, making referrals to appropriate services, and conducting mental health and substance use assessments.
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
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Essential Duties:
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Assists attorneys with developing defense strategy or mitigation for clients who are parties in criminal, delinquency, and/ or child welfare matters.
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Presents information, prepares reports, and/ or provides expert testimony for court at the direction of an attorney.
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Provides case management services and acts as a liaison to community organizations and residential programs to develop and coordinate after-care plans for special needs clients for release from correctional/ detention facilities or transitional services for clients at various stages of the adjudication process.
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Evaluates assigned clients to determine level and type of assistance required (e.g. housing, substance abuse) and makes referrals to appropriate agencies.
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Prepares reports and maintains case notes for attorneys and staff.
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At the request of an attorney, provides a psycho/ social assessment of clients in the office, jail/ detention facility, or home setting.
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Provides case management and referral services to individuals and their families; clinical therapy to individuals and their families using a variety of treatment modalities.
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Facilitates communication between the client and Public Defender staff, medical care and treatment providers, courts, probation, Community Corrections, and community contacts.
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Develops and maintains working relationships with area resource agencies.
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Maintains timely documentation, including case plans and service statistics.
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Works with and provides consultation to attorney staff.
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Assists with staff / intern training while supervising masters and bachelors level social work interns.
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Refers possible clients to the County's Community Mental Health services if necessary.
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Performs related duties as assigned.
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
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EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
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Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
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To perform this job successfully an individual must have an interest in serving the indigent criminally accused.
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Appreciate the confidentiality and duties required of all those working in a criminal defense law firm, particularly the duty of zealous representation.
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Be able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
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Excellent office administrative practices and procedures, including computer operations, software applications, and standard office equipment.
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Understanding of policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to County programs or resources.
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Superior writing and presentation skills; ability to produce clear, concise and effective materials in multiple formats and for multiple audiences.
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Capacity to maintain accurate records and documentation of work.
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Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based and client centered approaches to assessment, case planning, and service coordination.
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Applies culturally responsive and trauma informed approaches that promote equity and inclusion service delivery.
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Responds to and manager client crises appropriately, seeking support, and coordination with supervisors, attorneys, and partner agencies as needed.
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LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
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Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license. Availability of automobile, van, or truck. Must be one of the following: a fully licensed Social Worker, a Fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or otherwise fully licensed clinical professional. Applicants who are not fully licensed must obtain full licensure within six (6) months of employment.
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PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials and a computer monitor and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
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EDUCATION
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Possession of a Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling, or a closely related clinical field. Candidates must hold or obtain state certification or licensure within
six (6) months of employment.
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EXPERIENCE
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Two (2) years of experience in providing services working with clients, preferably those involved in the legal system.
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This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.
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FILING DEADLINE: 12/2/25
CONTROL NUMBER: 2511-2900-2409-0002
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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