Social Worker - Public Defender (Personal Services)

Job Code: 45080    Salary Grade: 19   Salary: $57,125 - $91,971   FLSA: Exempt

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate with attorneys representing indigent clients with mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities & assist with disposition of cases including alternative sentencing options and mitigation.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts comprehensive psychosocial assessments with clients at the jail, office, home, or over the phone; manages ongoing clinical assessments for competency and stability, and level of functioning; determines primary issues by obtaining mental health, medical, substance abuse and cognitive history; determines resources including housing, family support, work history, SSI, Medicaid and Medicaid Waiver; obtains release of information for records and collaboration with community providers; interviews family members for collateral information by phone, in office, or in the field; writes reports; assesses and submits lay affidavit for Probate Court to facilitate admit to a mental health facility; and meets and discusses clinical recommendations with attorneys.

Develops holistic treatment plans in an effort to reduce recidivism; processes referrals for mental health counseling; completes and submits pre-release SSI application; completes all SSA forms with client; coordinates with SSA and delivers packet; monitors SSI pre-release process to ensure completion with SSA; follows up with SSA and the Adjudicator's office; processes referrals for substance abuse treatment; calls providers with social history; coordinates interviews with providers and clients at the jail; provides medical records required for placement; reviews Intellectual Disabilities-Medicaid Waiver; processes referrals regarding developmental disabilities; coordinates with guardians; connects with vocational rehabilitation; and provides nursing home and assisted living placement, job training, and GED assistance.

Records collection and summary of all records; contacts providers in the community for records; faxes; delivers releases of information and picks up records; processes subpoenas for mental health, medical, and school records; delivers subpoenas; follows up on status; checks accuracy of records; summarizes records to create a timeline of treatment history; and determines a level of functioning.

Networks and collaborates with community providers to maintain continuous contact and obtain resources for clients; organizes statewide meetings of forensic Social Workers; and advocates for change with local, state and federal agencies.

Assists attorneys in all court proceedings; presents treatment plan; coordinates treatment providers for court; performs in-court assessments to determine level of stability and treatment plan options; assists attorneys with legal representation; transports clients and family members to and from court hearings; researches and identifies new community providers; researches mental health issues as they relate to the legal process; accompanies attorney on client visits locally and statewide; and attends Mental Health division meetings.

Maintains records; develops, maintains, and monitors the social worker database to increase accountability and measure outcomes; centralizes filing of mental health cases; and archives files and records.

Maintains professional development of Mental Health Division to ensure best practices; centralizes all misdemeanors and felony court-ordered evaluations to monitor status throughout legal process; maintains procedures for confidentiality of client communications; complies with HIPAA requirements and National Board-specific licensure code of ethics; creates a holistic approach to legal representation for clients with mental health and developmental disabilities; participates in speaking engagements to educate stakeholders, community partners and general public about services provided by the Public Defender and the needs and challenges; attends trainings to maintain license; and develops year-end reports.

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling or a related field required; one year of experience in 
clinical assessments, social work or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.