Case Worker

Job Description

General Summary:
The Case Worker determines client eligibility and referrals for a variety of social services and provides other social services and provides short-term case management. This position researches and establishes connections with service providers in the region on behalf of the Brazos County Public Defender Office.

Essential Duties:
Case workers in a public defender's office play a vital role in providing support and assistance to attorneys and clients throughout the legal process. Their primary functions include:

• Client Intake and Assessment: Case workers are responsible for conducting initial client interviews and intake assessments. They gather relevant information about the client's background, personal history, and the circumstances of the case. This helps in determining the appropriate course of action and identifying any specific needs or resources required for the client's defense.

• Case Management: Case workers assist in managing the administrative aspects of cases. They assist in organizing and maintaining case files, including relevant documents, evidence, and correspondence. They track court dates, deadlines, and other important events to ensure timely and accurate case progression. Case workers also coordinate with external agencies, such as social service providers or treatment programs, to address clients' specific needs.

• Client Support and Communication: Case workers serve as a point of contact for clients, providing them with regular updates on their cases, court appearances, and legal proceedings. They answer client inquiries, address concerns, and provide emotional support throughout the legal process.

• Referrals and Resource Coordination: Case workers connect clients with community resources and services that may be beneficial to their overall well-being and their case. They maintain a network of referral sources, including social services, mental health providers, substance abuse treatment programs, and housing assistance organizations. Case workers help clients access these resources and coordinate their involvement in the client's defense plan.

• Court Preparation and Support: Case workers assist attorneys in preparing for court appearances, including arranging client transportation, coordinating witness appearances, and ensuring all necessary documents and evidence are available. They may also provide support during court proceedings, such as organizing exhibits, taking notes, and assisting with the presentation of evidence.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Case workers collaborate closely with public defenders, investigators, and other members of the defense team. They participate in team meetings, case reviews, and strategy discussions to ensure a coordinated approach to holistic client representation. Case workers provide valuable insights and perspectives based on their knowledge of the clients and their cases.

• Advocacy and Support Services: Case workers advocate for clients' needs and rights within the criminal justice system. They may assist in securing appropriate accommodations, such as language interpretation services or disability accommodations, to ensure clients can effectively participate in their defense. Case workers also provide referrals for support services such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, or job training to address clients' underlying needs and facilitate successful reintegration into the community.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision
Received: Will be supervised by the Chief Public Defender.
Given:

Education
Required: Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent.
Preferred: Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university, preferably a Bachelor of Social Work degree.

Experience
Required: 2 years' experience in a job related to social services.
Preferred:

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Required: Valid driver's license required.
Preferred:

Physical Demands
Typical: Typical activities common to an office environment such as walking, sitting, use of computer equipment, creating and moving paper files, operating a copy machine, walking to and from court as needed. Some driving may be necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Typical: Basic knowledge of mental illness and emotional components of physical illness and rehabilitation methods. Knowledge of casework principles, community resources, and of the principles, methods, techniques and practices of social work. The ability to oversee the social work components of a criminal caseload in a Public Defender Office, to evaluate reports of social studies and assessments, make treatment plans, and implement treatment plans with available community resources.

Work Environment
Typical: The physical and environmental demands of this job are those typical to a general office environment.

About Us

Brazos County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. The population as of the 2020 US Census was 233,849. The county seat is Bryan. Along with Brazoria County, the county is named for the Brazos River, which forms its western border.

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