The incumbent may be promoted without further competition upon completion of one year of exemplary performance, subject to approval of the PDS Director. Location: Public Defender Service Office of Rehabilitation and Development 633 3rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

Duties

PDS Overview: The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member board of trustees. PDS provides legal representation to individuals facing a loss of freedom in the local criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems in the District of Columbia. PDS's approximately 230 employees, comprised of attorneys, social workers, mitigation specialists, investigative specialists, administrative, and technical staff, collaborate with each other to advance the PDS mission. PDS's main office is located at 633 3rd Street, NW, Washington, D.C. District of Columbia residency is not a requirement for employment. Employment at the Public Defender Service (PDS) is neither federal nor District of Columbia government employment, and all employees are "At-Will." Division Description: The Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD) provides the clinical component of the defense in the representation of adult and/or juvenile clients. ORD assists staff attorneys and, at times, attorneys practicing under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) develop least restrictive, individualized sentencing and rehabilitation plans for clients, in-depth mitigation reports, case-based counseling, case management, and collaboration with legal and/or juvenile justice agencies and other parties working with our clients. Major Duties: This position is located in the Office of Rehabilitation and Development and provides services to adult clients arrested for serious violations in the District of Columbia. Under the general supervision of the chief of the division, incumbent will evaluate clients and devise, recommend, and implement individualized service/treatment options in the least restrictive settings as well as memoranda in aid of sentencing and in-depth mitigation reports. Incumbent will perform the following duties: Work in concert with legal counsel on behalf of PDS clients and, at times, appointed counsel clients through the Criminal Justice Act (CJA). Visit clients, family, and other collateral contacts to establish personal background and history summaries. Visit clients at their residence, jails, hospitals, group homes/halfway houses, and other similar locations. Develop dispositional plans geared to the specific and individual needs of each client, evaluate and recommend treatment options and prison programs (where appropriate). Identify and make referrals for mental health and medical services, substance abuse treatment, education, and other services. Work with local social service agencies to identify programs and resources for clients and their families, and keep abreast of and develop cooperative relationships with service organizations and legal agencies to assist clients with matters related to their rehabilitation and develop dispositional strategies.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: A master's degree or higher in social work, counseling, or related degree, a clinical license, three years of post-graduate professional, advanced experience as social worker/case manager or other comparable experience, or advanced year graduate school internship placement at a social work department of a public defender office that handles major felonies. Other Requirements: Incumbent must have no convictions as defined in DC Code Section 14.305 (b) (1) (Impeachment by evidence of conviction of crime). Reliable transportation is necessary as travel is required in and around the DC area. Preferred Qualifications: Professional mental health experienced applicants are highly desired and encouraged to apply. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) Required: In addition to a traditional resume, candidates should submit a separate narrative statement addressing the following quality ranking factors. These factors will be used to distinguish the best-qualified applicants from a group of persons basically qualified for the position. Failure to submit your narrative response for this position will negatively affect your eligibility and/or rating for this position. Experience working with arrested adults and understanding of the plight of persons from disadvantaged backgrounds. Direct defense experience working with adult clients on rehabilitation and dispositional issues. Knowledge of social work concepts and concepts related to rehabilitation and alternatives to confinement. Demonstrated excellent writing and oral persuasion skills and ability to communicate effectively to broad spectrum of people. Demonstrated computer skills. Familiarity with treatment and rehabilitation resources available in the D.C. metro area. Knowledge of the court system.

Education

Please read the "Qualifications" section.

Contacts

• Address Public Defender Service for District of Columbia 633 3rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 US
• Name: Public Defender Service
• Email: [email protected]