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OPD Job Opening for Social Work Supervisor

The Orleans Public Defenders (OPD) provides representation to indigent criminal defendants in Orleans Parish. The OPD is committed to excellence in the provision of legal services for indigent defendants and client-centered representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those accused of crimes.

Job Description and Qualifications:

We are seeking a licensed Social Worker to develop and lead our pilot Social Services Division, an initiative to incorporate the provision of social services to our indigent criminal justice clients. The Social Work Supervisor will work with the Director of the OPD to design and develop the Social Services division, will recruit and supervise a team of MSW students performing their field placement with the office, and will provide services to clients him or herself. The Social Work Supervisor and the students will work in teams with attorneys to provide professional, intensive, and/or therapeutic social work services to OPD clients, through the assessment of client needs and the provision of local services at all phases of the criminal justice process including pre- and post-conviction. Client needs may include evaluations and recommendations for alternatives to incarceration by identifying youth and adult clients with drug addictions, substance abuse problems and mental illness and connecting the clients with therapy, medications and/or treatment programs. The Social Work Supervisor will also be expected to prepare psycho-social evaluations to identify housing, educational, or other needs and connect clients to local social services. The Social Work Supervisor will perform other tasks related to the Social Services Division as requested by the Director of the OPD.

The candidate must be a licensed Social Worker and have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Experience working with local social services delivery systems is highly valued. As appropriate, experience with social services delivery systems outside Louisiana will be considered, as will knowledge of the local criminal justice procedures following arrest. The ideal candidate will possess supervisory and administrative experience and will have demonstrated skill in conducting clinical-setting interviews, in determining appropriate referral services/options, and in securing placement for clients with those resources. Skill in using various computer software database, spreadsheet, word processing, and network programs is also considered.

The position is full-time. The salary is $50,000.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send: a cover letter explaining your interest in the position; a resume; a school transcript if you are less than five years out of school; a writing sample of at least five pages; and a list of three references to Dannielle Berger, Office Manager, Orleans Public Defenders, via email at dannielleb@orleanspublicdefenders.org (preferred), fax at 504-821-5285, or mail at 2601 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The OPD is an equal opportunity employer.