Job Summary

This position assists clients with mental health issues and works closely with individuals who have cases in the court system, providing assistance as directed by the Public Defender.

Major Duties

• Provides social services as a mental health professional to clients serviced by the Public Defender’s Office.
• Links clients to services in the community and refers to the appropriate service, and assists clients with obtaining benefits.
• Obtains, reviews, and compiles mitigating information and verifies the information.
• Assists clients in obtaining employment; complies with terms of release (both bond and probation); facilitates prompt release from detention after case resolution or posting bond; finding housing, and facilitates contact with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payees, or the establishment of an SSI payee for clients.
• Obtains, reviews, and audits clients’ medical, mental health, school, developmental, and employment records.
• Provides referrals and links to community mental health providers for individuals with mental health and intellectual disability diagnoses.
• Assists clients released from County detention facilities with receiving medications.
• Reviews and assigns requests from attorneys for social workers to assist with client cases.
• Completes intake/biopsychosocial assessment on new clients.
• Utilizes short-term interventions, i.e., crisis intervention and/or cognitive behavioral model, for clients at the jail or who have been released.
• Provides clients with coping mechanisms while in jail and out of jail for the purpose of preventing recidivism. Coping mechanisms include but are not limited to anger management techniques and anxiety/stress management techniques.
• Utilizes strength-based and empowerment strategies and intervention for the purpose of maintaining motivation for change and maintaining the belief that change is possible.
• Utilizes problem-solving process to teach clients skills needed to make changes in their lives.
• Ensures work is performed timely.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of mental health principles and practices, child and adult psychopathology, effective interviewing techniques, and family systems.
• Knowledge of Criminal Code and Family Code Statutes, legal precedents, and an understanding of the many issues – legal, social, familial, and cultural involved in consequences of criminal cases.
• Have strong assessment and counseling background; individual and group therapy methods and practices.
• Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of use and care of office equipment.
• Knowledge of use of computer and office software.
• Knowledge of English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited university or college.
• Must have at least two (2) years of full-time experience in social work, including at least one ( 1 ) year in a mental health setting and case management field.
• Must have a current and valid social worker license from the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.

Supplemental Information

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of varied assessment of client’s mental health needs as well as any other social service needs. Work also consists of working with team of attorneys and investigators in the Public Defender’s Office.
• The purpose of this position is to provide assistance to clients with mental health issues.

• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles.
• Moving oneself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces.
• Moving to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 30 pounds in all directions.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Driving a County vehicle or a personal vehicle for County business.
• Working in noisy environments.
• Light work that includes carrying objects up to 20 pounds.

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Drug and Alcohol Policy applies to this job. Pre-employment drug/alcohol testing, Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and criminal background checks are required.
• This position is not covered under Civil Service; however, all other Webb County policies apply.

• If the applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver’s License must be obtained prior to employment.