Job Description

Social Worker Position

The Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) is recruiting a Social Worker to work in Carlsbad.

LOPD Social Workers ensure the delivery of defense-oriented services throughout the state in support of a criminal defense team by developing plans for addressing a client's life situation that, if mitigated, may increase the opportunities to improve their lives. Provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal legal system.

Our organization and mission: As the state's largest law firm, the Law Offices of the Public Defender represents low-income people facing criminal charges in New Mexico. With dedicated teams of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and office support, we guard individuals from injustice and work to address the underlying issues that bring clients into the criminal court system. In addition to representing individuals in criminal cases, we also advocate in our state legislature to protect the constitutional rights of all New Mexicans.

Be the Difference Beyond the Courtroom — Are you interested in helping support clients through resource coordination, alternative sentencing plans, and compassionate advocacy as a team member of the Law Offices of the Public Defender's Social Work Unit? This Social Worker position could be for you! Primary Functions: LOPD Social Workers ensure the delivery of defense-oriented services throughout the state in support of a criminal defense team by developing plans for addressing a client's life situation that, if mitigated, may increase the opportunities to improve their lives. Provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal legal system.

Knowledge of: Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting; including the ability to work with databases and case management software Attention to detail and organization skills Ability to perform well under the pressure, have excellent time management and effective prioritization; of multiple deadlines; All Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point); automated spreadsheets, and databases in a Windows environment, and other standard office equipment. Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex information Excellent verbal communication skills, including listening skills Proficiency in writing, editing, and proofreading; including coherence, grammar, punctuation, structure, spelling, tone, clarity, and organization. Trauma informed and responsive practices; Understanding of the dynamics of substance abuse, mental health issues, homelessness, interpersonal violence, and the impact on family and child development to develop service plans; Basic Understanding of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria and its application to making appropriate referrals for clients to programs and services; Understanding of DSM-5 classification of mental health symptoms and diagnosis; Conducting and preparing competency screening reports to identify potential competency issues of the client and if further mental health forensic evaluation is needed; Conducting psychosocial assessment of clients assigned by attorneys to assist in plea negotiations, mitigating sentencing, and determining service needs. Provide pertinent information to attorney including treatment and service recommendations; Demonstrated understanding of the impacts of disenfranchisement and marginalization (race, class, gender and gender identity, ability-including mental health, sexual orientation) of individuals caught in the criminal legal system; Knowledge of local and statewide resources and services that will benefit clients specifically, substance use, mental health, housing; NASW Code of Ethics and its application to forensic social work; Skills We Seek: Analytical Planning Relationships Self-Management

Benefits We Offer: The Law Offices of the Public Defender offers a competitive benefits package that includes PERA retirement with employer contributions effective your first day, sick and annual leave accruals, 11 paid holidays, paid Bereavement Leave, flexible schedules which includes the option of teleworking and so much more! To see all benefits offered by the State of New Mexico, go here. After successfully completing a one year probationary period our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood. Employees who complete their probationary period are eligible for two hours of paid Wellness Leave every week and 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in psychology, criminal justice, or social work and four (4) years' experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling and treatment, or equivalent. Must be in good standing and have a current License to practice Social Work in New Mexico. Provisional license must be converted to full licensure with six (6) months of hire. Must have a driver's license and be able to certify in Defensive Driving. Must maintain professional social work license in good standing and renew bi-annually with the New Mexico Social Work Board of Licensing and Regulation;

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