Case Worker

The Travis County Public Defender's Office is a comprehensive public defender office envisioned to be client-centered, independent, and innovative to the needs of the Travis County community. Consistent with nationally recognized best practices, the PDO provides high-quality holistic defense representation and other support to its clients. We represent youth in Juvenile Court and adults, including those living with serious mental illness/intellectual or developmental disability, in Criminal Court.

As key part of the interdisciplinary team, the case worker works closely with clients, PDO attorneys and other advocates to provide case support including intensive case management to justice involved clients, determining client eligibility for a variety of social services available, and/or providing other social services related to crisis intervention and short-term case management. The case worker interviews clients, identifies community resources that are responsive to client needs, and provides ongoing support and advocacy. The case worker also refers clients to clinical and social service provider resources. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the eligibility-related functions and short-term case management for various clients. This classification interviews clients and collects eligibility documentation to determine appropriate social services assistance and monitors client progress and usage of assistance. Duties also include problem-solving assistance and functioning as an advocate on behalf of the client. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

• Interviews clients at various locations including but not limited to jails, community, court and homes and
  develops a strengths based needs assessment.
• Requests medical, educational, institutional records as needed in support of legal case.
• Provides case management services for clients. Conducts ongoing assessment of client needs. Develops casework/service plans, supports progress and follow-up. Provides social services related to crisis intervention.
• Coordinates with other service agencies, organizations, and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as well as referrals. Serves as an advocate on behalf of client. Makes
  appropriate referrals and warm hand offs to other social service, education, and/or health agencies as
  needed. Interprets eligibility requirements, policy and procedures to clients, other agencies, vendors
  and governmental entities.
• May provide short and long-term case management, crisis intervention and service coordination to
  ensure maximum self-sufficiency. May provide short-term independent living skills assistance and
  training.
• May assist clients in obtaining vocational and employment services.
• Reminds clients of court dates and court mandated appointments and provide transportation as needed.
• Provides timely, thorough documentation of all client services and related communications in case management system.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
Valid Texas Driver's License.
Please attach resume to online application.

Preferred:

• Applications with a cover letter detailing interest in the position, including why you want to work for the Travis County Public Defender’s Office. 
• Ability to interview indigent clients to assess their legal and social support needs. 
• Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish. 
• Mission-aligned experience (work or lived) advocating on behalf of or supporting people/communities directly impacted by the criminal/immigration/indigent civil legal system. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
• Local social services, organizations and programs and the resources available.
• Federal, State and Local program laws and requirements.
• Modern office practices, procedures and methods.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to  federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.

Skill in:

• Providing assistance to clients.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Referring clients to appropriate social services organizations and programs.
• Math computation.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Deal effectively with persons experiencing crises and economic stress.
• Work effectively and courteously under high-pressure circumstances.
• Prepare accurate and complete records and reports.
• Demonstrate consistent, sound, and mature judgment in the effective and efficient use of human and financial resources.
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
• Communicate effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, community outreach and other organizations, clinical and other social service providers, and the general public.

The PDO is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. The PDO strongly encourages candidates of all identities, experiences, abilities and communities to apply. All applicants should be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment that enables staff and clients to feel empowered, valued, respected, and safe. In considering applicants, the PDO values an applicant's experience and/or thoughtfulness in working with people from communities that experience marginalization.

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, driving, client/customer contact, and squatting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM 

May work some nights, holidays, and weekends. 

Department: Public Defender’s Office
Location: 1010 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701
Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact: Joshua Clasberry at [email protected].

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.