Social Worker - Public Defender's Office

Fort Bend County is ranked as one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.  We have capitalized on not only the creed of our location, but on the "quality of life" for our families to call home.  Our employees are the key to our success and the heartbeat of our foundation.  The diversity and inclusivity of our community is our strength and at the forefront of a workplace environment welcoming to all.  Live Here! Work Here!

• Conducts client and/or family psychosocial and/or resource needs assessment and obtains maximum benefit from all available sources.
• Develops and implements client/family service plans and monitors progress.  Conducts periodic and final assessments to determine progress, client barriers, follow-up needs and client outcomes.
• Provides brief counseling and crisis intervention to individuals and/or their
• Families to increase their ability to overcome and prevent crisis and promote progress toward self-sufficiency and health and well being.
• Reviews case matters as well as gathers necessary medical information for proper representation to the court; intervenes for competency matters, compliance with CCP, psychiatric referrals and evaluations.
• Provides short or long-term case management and service coordination to ensure maximum self-sufficiency and non-institutional living.  Utilizes community resources to assist client in learning to live as a self-sufficient member of the community, including but not limited to medical resources, local, state and federal agencies, community-based agencies and other resources.
• Participates in community collaboration for resource development and elimination of duplication of services.
• Provides client/family education, training and advocacy; Serves as advocate for defendant.
• Maintains current knowledge about resource availability, service costs, and budgetary parameters and remains fiscally responsible in carrying out all case management functions and activities.
• Participates in evaluative and quality assurance activities designed to monitor the appropriateness and effectiveness of both the service delivery system in which case management operates as well as the case manager’s own management services.  Ensures full professional accountability. 
• Writes informational reports, compiles data/information in accordance with professional standards and policies.
• Participates in case reviews involving client/family and other service providers.
• Refers citizens to appropriate agency or program.
• Participates in activities and duties related to emergency management during a local state of disaster as directed by appropriate county managers.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and/or Licensed Professional Counselor.
• Two years social work experience counseling individuals in crisis/trauma situations.
• Skilled in counseling and providing crisis and other assistance to clients; assessing the medical, psychosocial and environmental status of clients. 
• Management and supervisory skills; knowledge of policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned functions. 
• Strong computer and organizational skills; ability to complete assignments within tight deadlines and under high-pressure circumstances.
• Good written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with clients, the public, other employees and elected officials. 

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $25.21 - $31.52 hourly based on qualifications

CLOSING DATE: Upon filling position

 
All full-time and part-time employees are members of the Texas County District Retirement System (TCDRS). Full-time employees also enjoy a wide-range of great benefits.
 
Fort Bend County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy status (including childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected military and veteran status, political affiliation or beliefs, or any other classification protected by state, federal  and local  laws, unless  such classification is a bona fide occupational qualification.
 
For more information on Fort Bend County's Title VI / Nondiscrimination Statement, visit www.fbctx.gov/comply