Social Worker, LSW

The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is hiring for Social Worker (LSW) in Coeur d'Alene to provide defense social work and mitigation expertise to assigned defense counsel. The social worker is part of the defense team and helps meet the SPD's core goal - providing zealous holistic representation.

Full-Time (40 Hours), $55,000-$83,000 annually (D.O.E.)

This is a non-classified position that reports to the Managing Attorney or their designee.

• Consulting with and advising attorneys concerning client needs and issues and strategizing how best to address client needs and issues to improve case outcomes;
• Obtaining necessary releases in order to procure medical records, mental health and substance abuse records and school records;
• Obtaining and analyzing records;
• Researching and recommending resources including treatment, community-based support services, and alternatives to incarceration;
• Gathering mitigation evidence;
• Working closely with clients to make appropriate referrals to address clients’ social service needs such as drug treatment, housing, and other benefits and also assist clients in navigating social service agencies;
• Collaborating with probation/parole, court personnel, social service agencies and other service providers to establish treatment and services for clients;
• Administering evidence based psychosocial evaluations;
• Preparing written memorandums to assist attorneys in mitigating dispositions or sentences;
• Reviewing, organizing and presenting information contained within medical, mental health, substance abuse and school records for their reference, and use;
• Appearing in court as needed;
• Entering and reviewing data in the Case Management System (CMS) according to CMS guidelines;
• Tracking own time in the CMS;
• Maintaining confidentiality of client information and adhering to ethical standards;
• Attend case planning and strategy meetings;
• Working with clients from diverse cultural, racial, and socio-ethnic backgrounds;
• Working both in an outside the office;
• Travel throughout the judicial district; and
• Occasional travel outside the judicial district; and
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work and current licensure as a social worker in Idaho;
• One (1) year of experience in social work is preferred;
• One (1) year of Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or Holistic Defense experience in a legal setting is preferred;
• Valid driver’s license and access to a motor vehicle.

This position requires that the employee:

• Sits 40% to 95% of a workday.
• Lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls items up to 25 pounds.
• Uses repetitive motions such as hand-wrist / fingering movements and grasping or reaching 25% to 90% of a workday.
• Has normal (or corrected to within normal range) dexterity, tactile feeling, speaking, hearing, and seeing.
• Talking and listening 30% to 75% of the workday.
• Reading comprehension 40% to 90% of the workday.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.

• Maintain consistent and reliable performance.
• Complete tasks with attention to detail.
• Work in a fast-paced, high stress work environment with multiple conflicting demands.
• Communicate respectfully and collaboratively with co-workers and clients.
• Protect confidential client information.

Best Retirement Available in The Nation

The State of Idaho has one of the Nation’s best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit once vested.

This position is PERSI Retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member - which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%.

• Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance – employee coverage for PPO $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/month for dental (full-time).
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start.
• Paid parental leave.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and Deferred Compensation plan.
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Wellness…