Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!

Are you a passionate and dedicated social worker or social service advocate looking to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals navigating the criminal justice system? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking a compassionate and skilled professional to join our Municipal Court Pretrial Unit (MCPTU). This three-year, grant-funded position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative programs aimed at reducing mass incarceration and supporting clients in with individualized, rehabilitative approaches. This work includes a new pilot program run by the City, Neighborhood Wellness Court (NWC), and the Defender Association’s support of that program through the lifting of Philadelphia bench warrants (BW). NWC is intended to address the high levels of chronic homelessness and the epidemic of substance use disorder (SUD) in Kensington by connecting those arrested for summary quality of life offenses to treatment and social services that will address their underlying needs. As a Social Worker/Social Service Advocate within the MCPTU, you will play a crucial role in diverting individuals from incarceration by connecting them with essential treatment and social services. You will be an integral part of a collaborative team, working closely with attorneys to provide holistic legal representation.

What You’ll Do

• Manage a caseload of 50+ clients who are defendants in pending criminal litigations
• Ability to take responsibility for a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action and intervention
• Work as part of the defense team and assist defense counsel and the client throughout all phases of the criminal prosecution
• Gather documentation relevant to client’s case including education, employment, medical, treatment, psychological, military, prison, and other information
• Conduct interviews of the client and if necessary, their families to get a full picture of the client
• Conduct in-person interviews with incarcerated clients as needed as well as occasional court appearances
• Prepare detailed client social summaries, re-entry plans, treatment plans, and mitigation memorandums/reports to identify and humanize the client’s life circumstances in a manner to have a meaningful impact on the client’s legal case
• Identify community resources conducive to a client’s needs, refer clients, advocate for their connection to services, and provide follow up services.
• Maintain contact with assigned clients to provide case management services
• Assist clients, when necessary, with securing their medical assistance and other insurance funding to link them to treatments and maintain an effective contact log for follow-up and verification
• Prepare written reports/memoranda of client communications, referrals and work product to be forwarded to and made a part of the legal file, and/or discussed with the assigned attorney
• Establish effective communication with assigned Assistant Defenders to discuss the client’s needs, social services referrals, treatment recommendations, life, and mitigation histories, with attorneys throughout the court process, from case assignment through final disposition
• Provide support, as needed, for Assistant Defenders by appearing in court to provide testimony and social work interventions
• Assist with the development of community resource information and sharing same with unit colleagues and Defender Association staff
• Cultivate relationships with community partners and stakeholders to foster increased alternatives for re-entry and treatment options.
• Assist in educating stakeholders and policy makers on the barriers to service and/or successful outcomes for clients through various means
• Attend and participate in department programs and staff meetings
• Maintain statistical tracking of client outcomes and work activities
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree is required. M.S.W., is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of employment experience in a social worker or social services position, preferred
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, preferred
• Experience or interest in serving racially and socioeconomically- oppressed clients and communities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly establish client rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds during interviews
• Very good organizational skills and be proficient in multi-tasking
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of social services programs, supports, and agencies addressing substance abuse disorders, mental health issues and homelessness
• Working knowledge of the adult criminal justice system, preferred
• Experience in tracking data and outcomes preferred

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Six weeks paid parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Meaningful Work
• Wellness Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

To apply

Please apply online and include resume and cover letter detailing your interest and experience.

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. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.