Forensic Social Work Supervisor

Job Description

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 1021 - Social Services First Line Supervisors Unit

Why join the Contra Costa County Public Defender's Office?

The Contra Costa County Public Defender's (CCPD) Office is excited to announce the recruitment for one (1) vacanct position of Forensic Social Work Supervisor.

At the CCPD, we are committed to fierce, innovative advocacy that treats every client with dignity and respect. Our holistic model integrates support from social workers, legal staff, immigration specialists, forensic experts, behavioral-health professionals, and more than 100 attorneys. We are dedicated to advancing equity, racial justice, diversity, and inclusion.

Joining the CCPD as a Forensic Social Worker Supervisor in the Client Services Unit offers a unique opportunity to lead a highly skilled team committed to client-centered advocacy. In this role, you will supervise forensic social workers, who will develop mitigation and provide direct services to juveniles, transition age youth and adults. While leading your team, you will support clients navigating complex legal, social, and behavioral health challenges. You will help shape innovative, trauma-informed mitigation, strengthen community partnerships, and promote diversion, rehabilitation, and holistic defense. You will also oversee the MSW/BASW field placement program, providing mentorship, training and structured learning opportunities for emerging social workers. This position is ideal for leaders who are passionate about social justice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families across Contra Costa County.
We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates compassion and consistently upholds the dignity and respect of all clients.
• Exhibits strong strategic thinking and exceptional analytical abilities.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Effective in interdisciplinary collaboration within holistic defense.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Planning, assigning, and overseeing the work of social case workers and interns providing forensic social work services to Public Defender clients.
• Investigating, preparing, and supervising the development of social histories, psychosocial assessments, mitigation reports, treatment plans, and other documentation that supports client defense.
• Conducting and overseeing client risk and needs assessments.
• Engaging in and supervising interviews with clients and collateral contacts in both custodial and community based settings.
• Developing and overseeing social work programs within the office to strengthen holistic defense and client support services.
• Collaborating closely with attorneys and multidisciplinary staff to align social work interventions with defense goals and improve outcomes for youth and adult clients.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You thrive in a fast paced, environment that requires strong critical thinking and adaptability.
• You value the opportunity to support clients through compassionate, holistic, and trauma informed advocacy.
• You are flexible and open to a diverse range of assignments and learning opportunities.
• You appreciate being part of an office committed to holistic defense and equitable representation for all clients.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You may encounter high stakes situations involving clients with significant trauma, instability, or urgent needs, requiring calm, thoughtful, and trauma informed responses.
• You will manage complex cases and navigate multiple systems simultaneously.
• Adjusting to balancing team supervision, program development, and shifting priorities.

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity and Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Written Communication: Communicates accurately and professionally in writing.
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
• Managing Performance: Ensuring superior individual and group performance
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciates and promotes the contributions of individuals with varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences
  
  To read the complete job description, please visit the website, www.cccounty.us/hr .
  
  The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six (6) months.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of State valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.

Education: Possession of a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, sociology, counseling, psychology, or a closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience performing forensic social work in a public or private agency that works with clients involved in the criminal or youth justice systems. One year of experience must occur after completion of the required Master’s Degree.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program; LCSW preferred
  
  
• Experience providing forensic or clinical social work services in legal, correctional, or behavioral health settings
  
• Prior supervisory experience overseeing social workers, interns, or multidisciplinary staff
  
• Demonstrated skill in mitigation development, psychosocial assessment, and trauma informed practice
  
• Experience working within holistic defense or interdisciplinary legal teams.
  
• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate social work programs or field placement initiatives
  
  

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific