Social Worker I

Position is responsible for providing clinical and consultation work as part of the legal team. In addition, maintain professional support relationship with clients and function as an advocate or guide to help with solutions to incarceration or long-term commitment. Independent judgment may be utilized as long as it is performed at the request of the supervising attorney. Independent judgment will also be exercised in researching and offering consultative opinions and litigation. Position reports to Administrator of Social Services. 

Agency Summary  

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Key Responsibilities

• Address and assess need for competency and intervention
• Assesses client needs and eligibility for services
• Develop and maintain client case records, plans, and reports
• Compile information for attorney use and for reporting purposes for grant
• Refer clients to services and placement as appropriate
• Work with outside agencies to coordinate and facilitate alternative placement options for agency clients
• Conduct psychosocial evaluations with select agency clients as appropriate
• Confers with attorneys and other staff on agency cases
• Participate in gathering of mitigation information on behalf of the client
• Attends and testifies at court proceedings
• Works with outside agencies to coordinate and facilitate alternative placement options for agency clients
• Participate in agency and community planning and education
• Help to develop agency policies and procedures with regard to social work practices and program needs
• Conduct intake evaluations and screenings with selected agency clients
• Participates in alternative placement discussions with attorneys in devising a plan for treatment
• Report and provide information as the program require, including success rates and caseload numbers
• Screens and assigns cases in the supervisor’s absence
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) or Bachelor's degree in a related field.  Must be computer literate. Knowledge of legal terminology, ethics, and court procedures required. Ability to communicate effectively, handle responsibility, collaborate independently with clients and co-workers. Must have ability to interact with people of different cultures, positions and walks of life.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.

Working Conditions

Social workers work within the office setting, inside of correctional facilities, and the courts. Social workers spend about 30% of their time in the office, 20% of their time in court, and the remaining 50% of time inside of the county jail or other incarceration settings.  

Physical Conditions

1. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds
2. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
3. Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
4. Tasks require the ability to communicate orally

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Salary : $52,689