What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Worker position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is looking for an experienced social worker to join our Mental Health Unit (MHU). The MHU represents clients who suffer from a mental health disorder, traumatic brain injury, or intellectual disability. The Social Worker/Social Services Advocate position is part of the social services team that works collaboratively with the attorneys assigned to Civil Commitment Hearings and the Mental Health Court. Civil Commitment Hearings are held five days a week and the attorneys and social workers assigned represent patients who are subject to involuntary commitment hearings at various hospitals in the City and County of Philadelphia. This position requires a thorough understanding of Mental Health DSM-5-TR diagnoses and Civil Mental Health Court and will support attorneys in interviewing patients at various hospitals both in person and virtually. Performance in this position requires acting as a liaison and an advocate in coordinating cases and information with attorneys, hospital social workers, psychiatrists, clients, family members, and individuals involved in all aspects of the civil commitment system as well as the city’s Department of Behavioral Health. In addition, this position will be cross-trained to provide comprehensive and holistic legal representation and social service advocacy to our clients within the criminal justice system, as needed.
What You’ll Do
- Assist attorneys in ensuring that cases are fully prepared for hearing, and attend Civil Mental Health court hearings, as needed.
- Cross-reference all civil clients in the criminal client database, alerting civil attorneys of any clients who have active criminal matters, and upon completion of hearings, add a summary into the criminal client database
- Interview clients at various hospitals and community mental health placements in Philadelphia County and the surrounding area, both in person and by way of Zoom.
- Gather all documentation relevant to the case, including current ADAPT reports (for long term placements) as well as hospital chart notes and information gathered from clinical personnel; Read and assess petitions for timeliness and to ensure the correct petition has been filed.
- Work as a liaison between case managers and attorneys; and communicate client status updates.
- Collaborate with hospital social workers and with case managers to refer clients to appropriate services within the community.
- Assist with the development of community resource information and share that information with both civil and criminal staff.
- Assist criminal social workers as needed, including, but not limited to; obtaining signed release of information forms for hospitalized clients, obtaining written treatment updates; interviewing criminal clients, gathering documentation relevant to the defense or mitigation of client’s case, and assisting in criminal court.
- Perform other related duties as assigned
What You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree is required. B.S.W. or M.S.W., with social work experience in the area of psychiatry and/or dealing with severely mentally ill individuals is preferred
- Minimum of 2-years of employment experience working with clients in criminal justice or civil commitment proceedings, preferred
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quicky establish client rapport
- Familiarity with the operations of the court system, mental health system, and local procedures, preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with the operations of the court system, mental health system, and local procedures, preferred.
- Knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act, local rules 7109 used in civil mental health commitment hearings, preferred.
- Knowledge of the DSM-5-TR (handbook used to diagnose psychiatric illnesses), preferred.
- Must be able to travel to various courthouses, state hospitals, community placements and community settings. May have to travel to local and non-local prisons on occasion
Benefits & Perks
- Very generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefit
- Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
- Retirement savings plan with employer match
- Free Septa Key card
- Six weeks of paid parental leave
- We are a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer
- Meaningful & Impactful Work
- Ongoing Training and Development of You
Salary
$54,000 to $56,000
How to Apply
Please submit an online application with resume and cover letter detailing experience in the mental health arena.
Who is the Defender Association?
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.
Salary : $54,000 - $56,000
