Holistic Defense Advocate

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Public Defender's department. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.Current VacancyCurrent vacancy is with the Public Defender's Office located in Visalia. The anticipated life of the list is six months.*This position is eligible for a 4% Cost of Living Increase effective 06/28/2026Casework ResponsibilitiesCasework management includes providing client needs assessments.Development of re-entry plans.Address medical care and mental health needs of incarcerated clients by evaluation, inside or outside of correctional facilities.Assist out of custody clients to access medical, mental health, and substance abuse services.Assist clients to obtain housing, employment, and education.Minimum QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in social work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, or a closely related field.ExperienceTwo (2) years of social casework experience working with the public or one (1) year working in indigent defense.Knowledge ofPrinciples and techniques of interviewing, information gathering, and counseling.Laws, rules, and regulations affecting the work of social service agencies.Substance abuse, mental health issues, interpersonal and family dynamics and crisis intervention.Criminal justice and legal terminology.Behavioral science principles and their application to casework.Current socio-economic issues affecting communities.Report writing principles including rules of correct grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.Current problems and methodology in the field of public social service.Community resources available to assist clients.Techniques for diagnosing family situations and problems are sufficient to develop, implement and monitor treatment plans.Caseload management methods and techniques.Basic computer skills and word processing applications.Skill/Ability toWork and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.Develop, implement, and monitor treatment plans in casework areas.Effectively manage a complex caseload.Evaluate personal and psychological factors within the family's situation.Identify and evaluate functional limitations that impede independent living.Learn and apply federal, state, and local criminal justice laws, regulations, codes and ordinances.Conduct in-depth assessments involving psychosocial, rehabilitation and environmental issues.Act effectively in stressful situations.Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action.Read, interpret and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to social services programs.Write clear, concise, grammatically correct case narratives, reports, records and letters.Establish client-worker rapport on an individual basis.Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with agency staff, community groups and organizations and the general public.Verbally communicate sufficiently to explain technical information to people of various socio-economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.License or CertificatePossession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.Desirable Employment StandardsSkill/Ability toSpeak Spanish.Demonstrated interest in or exposure to criminal offender population.Conditions of EmploymentCandidates selected may be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a reinvestigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.College Cost Reduction Access ActThis may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER#J-18808-Ljbffr

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