Deputy Bailiff Chief Social Worker

Overview

The Chief Social Worker serves as the sole professional responsible for providing court-based social work services within the Cleveland Municipal Housing Court. This stand-alone position supports the Court’s mission to promote housing stability, compliance with court orders, and access to community resources by addressing the underlying social, behavioral, and economic factors impacting housing-related cases.

• Comprehensive assessments of individuals and families appearing before the Housing Court to identify factors impacting housing stability.
• Provide short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and supportive services in accordance with professional social work standards.
• Develop individualized service plans and make referrals to appropriate community-based resources.
• Collaborate with Judges, Magistrates, Court staff, and external service providers to support compliance with court orders.
• Monitor participant progress, follow up on referrals, and document outcomes.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records and reports.
• Provide information and education regarding court processes, expectations, and available resources.
• Attend court sessions as assigned and provide professional input or recommendations when appropriate.
• Serve as liaison between the Court and community agencies.
• Collect, track, and prepare data, reports, and summaries as requested by Court leadership.
• Respond appropriately to individuals experiencing crisis situations, including housing instability and safety concerns.
• Maintain awareness of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to housing and social services.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, accountability, and cultural competence.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrative Judge or Court Administrator.

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university required.
• Current State of Ohio Social Work licensure required (LISW or LISW-S preferred).
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional social work experience, preferably in housing, court-based, or community social services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE
In completing the duties and responsibilities of this position, the Court expects the incumbent will adhere to all court policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; perform duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner; be conscientious about meeting department productivity standards; and communicate regularly with supervisor about department issues.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
The Chief Social Worker is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Court; she/he is not in the classified civil service system and is not a member of a bargaining unit. The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our workforce.

DRUG SCREEN AND BACKGROUND CHECK
Any candidate offered a position will be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by the City of Cleveland. These screenings include a criminal background check and drug screen. New hires will be placed on a 180-day probationary period.

The City’s guiding principles are as follows:
Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.