Social Worker

Application Deadline: 12/3/2026
Cover Letters are required, please upload your cover letter and resume as one document. Failure to submit required documents may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.

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About the Colorado State Public Defender

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.

Notes on Employment Eligibility:

• This position requires State of Colorado residency on your first day of employment, and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position. No relocation assistance will be available. 
• Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now nor in the future.

Benefits of Working for the OSPD:

• Medical Insurance
• Basic Vision Insurance - included with medical plans
• Dental Insurance
• State Paid Life Insurance
• State Paid Short-Term Disability 
• FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
• HSA Plan with Employer Contribution 
• Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
• Flexible Schedules
• 11 paid holidays
• Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources 
• Colorado PERA
• 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans

For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.

Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at: http://www.coloradodefenders.us/

Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work:

The Colorado State Public Defender is seeking a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to join our multidisciplinary defense teams. This position provides an opportunity to apply forensic social work practice in a public defense setting where comprehensive mitigation investigation, psycho-social assessment, and client advocacy directly impact legal strategy and case outcomes.

Working under the direction of defense attorneys, Social Workers conduct in-depth mitigation investigations to develop comprehensive life histories and identify factors that may impact a client's legal circumstances. Through interviews, record collection, psychosocial assessment, and analysis of trauma, mental health, developmental, family, cultural, and environmental influences, Social Workers help the defense team understand each client's unique story. By translating complex behavioral health and life experiences into clear and persuasive mitigation narratives, you will support client-centered advocacy and meaningful legal outcomes.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychosocial assessments, mitigation interviews, and comprehensive social history investigations with clients, family members, service providers, and other collateral contacts. 
• Identify and analyze mitigating factors, including trauma, mental health conditions, developmental history, substance use, family dynamics, cultural influences, and social determinants that may affect a client's circumstances and legal case.
• Prepare recommendations related to pretrial release, treatment options, diversion programs, alternative placements, probation conditions, and sentencing considerations.
• Gather, review, and analyze medical, mental health, educational, treatment, and other relevant records.
• Assist attorneys in understanding psychosocial factors that may influence case strategy.
• Connect clients with community resources, treatment providers, and support services.
• Participate in client meetings, staffing discussions, hearings, and other case-related activities.
• Collaborate with attorneys, experts, treatment providers, and community partners while maintaining client confidentiality and attorney-client privilege.
• Research and maintain knowledge of statewide treatment programs, behavioral health services, and community resources.
• Travel throughout Colorado to meet with clients, attend hearings, and coordinate services.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong assessment, interviewing, and case analysis skills.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, trauma-informed practices, and social determinants of behavior.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing confidential information.
• Ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Sound professional judgment, discretion, and ethical decision-making.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive service delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Why Join Our Team?

The Colorado State Public Defender is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and holistic client advocacy. Social Workers are vital members of the defense team and play a critical role in identifying strengths, mitigating factors, treatment needs, and opportunities that support positive outcomes for clients.

If you are passionate about social work, advocacy, and advancing justice through client-centered practice, we encourage you to apply.

Minimum Educational / Professional Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university educational program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status in Colorado within 90 days of employment
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training or experience in a criminal defense system, forensic social work, criminal justice, behavioral health, or related fields
• Experience working with justice-involved adults or adolescents. 
• Knowledge of community-based treatment, housing, behavioral health, support resources. 

Requirements

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job (outlined below), with or without reasonable accommodation. Unless otherwise stated, all job duties are considered essential functions

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Knowledge of English language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
• Knowledge of standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, internet browsers and e-mail.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

• Strong client facing service focus
• Ability to maintain client and office confidentiality;
• Ability to complete multiple tasks and assignments with frequent interruptions;
• Standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers and e-mail;
• Ability to learn and utilize Adobe Acrobat;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, court personnel, clients and client families, and public from diverse backgrounds;
• Operation of common office tools and equipment such as calculators, desktop computers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines;
• Effective communication, verbal and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information; includes receiving work direction.

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

• Occasionally required to stoop and kneel;
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
• Talking and hearing;
• Reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers.

JOB APPLICATION FAIRNESS ACT

Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING:

OSPD is committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels respected, accepted, and valued. With this in mind, we strive to create an inclusive workplace that embraces different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. We will continuously review our company policies and hiring practices to foster a fair and equitable work culture.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact us at [email protected]

If you have questions about the application or encounter any issues during the application process please contact us at [email protected] 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.