Summary

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to individuals facing a loss of freedom in the criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The office employs roughly 70 attorneys and staff to provide zealous advocacy for our clients. The office represents several thousand clients each year in the District Justice Courts, the Court of Common Pleas, and the Appellate Courts of Pennsylvania.

Examples of duties

Under the general oversight of the Public Defender, First Assistant Public Defender, Juvenile Unit Chief, and Social Services Chief, the Social Service Advocate, Juvenile Unit, is responsible for working at the direction of the Defender legal team in criminal, delinquency, and mental health proceedings to identify and address the social service needs of Defender clients. Among other tasks, the Social Service Advocate, Juvenile Unit:

Identifies and obtains appropriate forensic services based on the client's needs. Such services may include access to appropriate placement, mental health and medical services, educational opportunities, and other supports and services.
Coordinates services with Delaware County's Department of Human Services and makes best efforts to ensure individuals' treatment needs are addressed in an attempt to divert them from the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Works with attorneys to coordinate client cases and advocacy, including drafting psychosocial reports, assisting in communication between attorney and client when necessary, preparing correspondence, reports, and memoranda suitable for use in court, obtaining necessary records, and relaying all case information to the attorney.
Establishes and develops relationships with community services and potential supports, including, but not limited to, the local mental health authority, law enforcement, community supervision, placement supervision, and educational services.
Establishes and develops relationships with support networks identified by the client, including, if appropriate, the client's immediate and extended family, as well as friends, mentors, and other supporters.
Appears for court proceedings with the client and monitors the client's progress throughout the pendency of the case.
Assists the client with re-entry into the community.
Assists with the client's transition to probation and the development of appropriate conditions.
Collaborates and coordinates with juvenile staff to ensure client needs are addressed.
Assists in data collection and analysis.
Completes special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master of Science in Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related discipline preferred.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience working with people with serious mental illness and drug and alcohol issues preferred.
Computer skills, including experience with case management software and Microsoft Office.
Commitment to public service.
Resourcefulness, creativity, initiative, drive, tact, and discretion.