Social Worker, Mental Health

Job Description

Provides support for assistant public defense attorneys to advocate on behalf of clients for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration. Provides clinical support for clients appointed indigent defense services within the 58th Judicial District Court and Ottawa County Circuit Court. Works collaboratively with assistant public defense attorneys of the Office of the Ottawa County Public Defender to assist clients in connecting with housing, substance abuse, mental health, employment and other services during client‑centered representation.

This is a full‑time, benefited position working out of the Public Defender's office at either the James Street Complex located at 12185 James Street, Holland, MI or at 1111 Fulton Street, Grand Haven, MI. Travel to other county locations as needed. Typical working hours are Monday‑Friday 8:00 am‑5:00 pm with some remote work possible.

• Provides clinical expertise to support the legal position(s) being advocated for the client to the court.
• Attends collaborative meetings with the client and attorney; helps assess the client’s needs for services and develop a case service plan for the client; assists clients in establishing connections with local social services agencies.
• Makes appropriate referrals and provides temporary assistance to address clients’ social services needs (e.g., substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, housing and other benefits); and advocates to social services agencies for the clients when needed.
• Gathers factual information to assist the attorneys in presenting mitigation issues or plans on behalf of the clients through interviews, and obtaining and analyzing records.
• Researches and recommends alternatives to incarceration; including preparation of memoranda for submission to judges and prosecutors through the assistant public defenders.
• Completes special projects and other duties assigned by the Public Defender or First Assistant Public Defenders.
• Communicates and interacts with social workers and assistant public defenders employed by other public defender offices as needed on behalf of clients as requested by the assistant public defense attorneys.
• Other duties as assigned.

Masters degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy from an accredited institution. One to two years of relevant professional experience in a social worker role.

Must possess a State of Michigan licensure as a Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, or Limited Licensed Psychologist. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license from the State of Michigan.

Please note that candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work with a license will be considered. Bachelor’s degree candidates would be paid at paygrade 8, $27.55‑$35.81/hour.

• Thorough working knowledge of professional social work principles, methodology and ethics.
• Thorough working knowledge of the use of therapeutic relationship, therapeutic theories, techniques and the therapeutic process to foster client self‑determination.
• Thorough working knowledge of human psychosocial development within the context of family, community and culture.
• Thorough working knowledge of techniques for facilitating client motivation to change behavior problems.
• Thorough working knowledge of social welfare policy. Thorough working knowledge of health and social issues impacting clients and community well‑being.
• Thorough working knowledge of systems theory.
• Crisis intervention skills. Client advocacy skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of the cultural and ethnic groups represented in Ottawa County and cultural norms affecting behavior.
• Thorough working knowledge of professional and ethical practice standards.
• Basic computer literacy, including knowledge of word‑processing, spreadsheet and database management applications software.
• Knowledge of health care and other community resources available to client populations.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a legal…