Social Services Specialist

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) is currently seeking a Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) to serve as the Indigent Defense Improvement Division's, Social Services Specialist. IDID provides training and technical assistance to public defense offices and individual defenders to support and uplift the quality of indigent defense statewide. The IDID Social Services Specialist will work closely with the IDID training team to create and present training, develop materials, and cultivate service provider connections for defenders across California representing respondents in Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court. The role will include direct consultation and technical assistance to defense offices and individual attorneys providing CARE Court representation, as well as larger resource and network development to assist with client-centered, holistic defense efforts statewide. This position offers an opportunity to work systemically to improve outcomes for CARE Court respondents and other justice involved individuals by improving the resources, connections, and effectiveness of CARE Court counsel across California.

The ideal candidate has multiple years of experience as a defense team social worker within a public defender office or as a social worker within a civil legal services office and is familiar with the needs of high acuity mental health clients. Alternatively, experience working in a public or private social services agency providing housing, mental health, and/or substance abuse treatment services is also highly valued. An educational background in social work or related field is preferred, with the most desirable candidates holding a social work license.

This advertisement will run until filled with the following cutoff dates for review of applications: January 6, 2025, February 6, 2025 & March 6, 2025. This position is limited-term and may become permanent, depending upon funding availability.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Background in social work (license preferred) and/or experience working as a member of a holistic defense team and/or relevant experience in a related social service field such as housing, mental health, or substance abuse treatment.
• Knowledge of available state, county, and municipal social service, housing, mental health, and substance abuse programs within California.
• Knowledge of and experience with the CARE Court framework and/or an interest in developing expertise in this area.
• Effective and compassionate communications skills that allow meaningful collaboration with people from a variety of social, cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes attorneys, researchers, and support staff.
• Strong analytical, planning, and strategic thinking skills to come up with creative solutions to evolving challenges in CARE Court and holistic defense work.