Only Office of the Public Defender employees apply.

As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.

The Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of maintaining a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and unity in achieving the agency’s mission.

217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202

A Social Worker I, Criminal Justice is the intermediate level of professional social work providing clinical and therapeutic or forensic social work services in either a criminal justice or indigent defense environment. An employee working in a criminal justice environment provides clinical and therapeutic services to clients who have demonstrated a need for rehabilitative intervention because of behavioral factors or personality disorders and co-existing mental health, health, substance abuse or other social adjustment factors. The employee working in an indigent defense environment provides forensic social work services, including mitigation, to clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and creates a defense strategy with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. Employees in this classification do not supervise.

A Social Worker II, Criminal Justice is the full performance level of professional social work providing clinical and forensic social work services in an indigent defense environment, including mitigation, to adult and juvenile clients charged with crimes or delinquent offenses and creates a defense strategy with Assistant Public Defenders for the legal disposition of criminal or delinquent cases. The chosen applicant will conduct psychosocial evaluations and testify regarding their clinical findings and recommendations. The applicant will work exclusively and extensively with adolescents, who are charged as adults and their families to provide linkage to resources that address structural barriers to success and will aid in reducing recidivism. The Social Worker II provides clinical and forensic services to clients that have demonstrated a need for rehabilitative intervention because of behavioral factors or personality disorders and co-existing mental health, health, substance abuse or other social adjustment factors. Employees in these classifications do not supervise. Candidates must be willing to work with adults and juvenile clients.

All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment.

Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.

Social Worker I, Criminal Justice:

Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.

Social Worker II, Criminal Justice

Education: Determined by the State Board of Social Work Examiners under the licensing requirements for Social Workers.

Experience: Two years of experience providing clinical and therapeutic social work services through the application of the principles, methods and procedures of professional social work to clients requiring rehabilitative counseling.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience at the rank of Corporal/Petty Officer or higher as a commissioned officer in Social Work classifications or Social Work specialty codes in Social Science, Psychology or Welfare fields of work for the required experience.

Currently licensed as a LMSW or LCSW-C.

Experience working in a forensic social work setting.

Excellent writing skills and experience writing social histories.

Experience testifying in court.

1. (I) 1.Employees are required to be licensed as a (LMSW) Licensed Master Social Worker or (LCSW) Licensed Certified Social Worker or (LCSW-C) Certified Social Worker-Clinical by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license. When the license is obtained, submit a copy to the hiring department.

1. Employees are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education as determined by the hiring department. Employees who fail to obtain the required continuing education credits shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal.

2. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques.

3. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center.

4. Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services are required to qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position. Applicants selected for the interview will be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview process.

Online applications preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260. Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.

Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.