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SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated
The Office of the Public Defender, District 21, seeks a qualified individual to investigate backgrounds and conduct assessments and screenings of indigent defendants using their knowledge and skills to assist in preventing recidivism by addressing the psych-social issues and providing education and offering social services recommendations. This position will serve Hoke and Scotland counties.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Establish and maintain a database of local and state services and treatment options for each county.
- Investigate backgrounds and conduct assessments and screenings of indigent defendants to determine mental health, physical, social issues, and/or substance abuse disorders.
- Link public defender clients to appropriate treatment and social services resources in an effort to prevent recidivism.
- Develop mitigation evidence in all cases and become trained as a capital mitigation expert.
- Visit clients in the jail to conduct the initial assessments, screenings, and interviews.
- Excel at obtaining clients' records from all relevant sources; review records; and coordinate with other professionals to evaluate the client.
- Work independently and coordinate with attorneys to provide case management and placement services for clients.
- Arrange treatment for clients in order to gain timely release from the county jail and to prevent their return thereto.
- Work with the local jails to ensure clients are being treated and receiving the proper medications, if appropriate.
- Utilize an assessment and screening diagnostic tool for client interviews to identify underlying issues and to determine appropriate types and levels of treatment.
- Interview family, friends, teachers, and employers to obtain a complete picture of the client's situation.
- Lead in-house training sessions for other office workers.
- Testify in court and/or represent findings in the context of plea negotiations and conferences.
- $50,696 - $62,695/year
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
Knowledge of: social work; placement and treatment options in the local community; screen diagnostic tools for client interviews including evidence-based risk and other assessment instruments; local treatment options for clients in the counties; local jail policy and procedures; and mitigation.
Skills in: computers and word processing to prepare reports, motions, orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents; and effectively communicate with people of diverse backgrounds both orally and in writing.
Ability to: schedule work to achieve results on time; prepare and use assessment screenings for use in matching clients to placement services and developing mitigation factors; work with the jails to ensure proper treatment for clients; work irregular hours in conducting the screenings and placement matching; coordinate with local treatment agencies on the client's behalf; inspire the confidence of the community in the Public Defender's Office; and make pertinent observations and analyze those observations in the context of the client's case.
Valid North Carolina driver's license required and reliable transportation.
Graduation from a four year college or university, preferably in the field of counseling, psychology, criminal justice, social work, or other related human services field, and one year of work experience in the legal system. .
Management prefers applicants with experience in alternative treatment and/or placement facilities throughout North Carolina and outside of North Carolina. Familiarity with evidence-based screening and assessment; and funding sources for treatment and/or placement facilities is also preferred.
Attach cover letter and résumé.
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603 How to Apply
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division Benefits
Judicial Branch employees are eligible for the North Carolina State Government benefits package. The package consists of a comprehensive collection of benefit options including medical coverage, defined benefit retirement, supplemental retirement, flexible benefits, supplemental insurance, and other miscellaneous benefits.
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