Dispositional Advisor

ATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUME

Under administrative direction and supervision, cases are referred to the Legal Dispositional Advisor by Public Defender attorneys for the purpose of formulating individualized alternative dispositions or sentencing options and providing relevant mitigation evidence for juvenile and adults clients charged in District or Juvenile Court.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing the probationary period of 12 months.

• Consults with staff attorneys in case preparation;
• Prepare comprehensive social histories through client interviews, collateral contacts and pertinent records review;
• Conducts assessment of client treatment needs;
• Develops appropriate treatment and/or service plans for clients; initiates evaluations, treatment referrals, and other services necessary for the formulation of alternative sentencing/disposition recommendations;
• Advises clients, attorneys, and Courts of available community resources;
• Presents recommendations for sentencing alternatives to Courts in written memorandum, sworn testimony, and/or other communication;
• Maintains professional collaborations with mental health practitioners, treatment providers, state/county corrections and social service agencies;
• Identifies appropriate community resources per individualized client needs;
• Promotes the overall mission of the Board of Public Defense to the community at large;
• Other duties and professional development as assigned.

• Knowledge of research and current evidence-based interventions for psychological behavioral and neurological disorders
• Knowledge and understating of Minnesota law governing mitigation
• Knowledge and understanding of Minnesota correctional facilities and probation services
• Thorough understanding of the criminal justice system

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient interviewing skills for obtaining information regarding clients
• Skilled in utilizing community resources to identify available and relevant services for clients

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients
• Ability to synthesize psychological, psychiatric and chemical dependency diagnoses as set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders
• Ability to acknowledge cultural and socio-economic impact on clients

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice or other Human Services related fields is required;
  AND
  • Minimum of two years of experience working in a related field.

Master's degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice, or other Human Services related fields