Mental Health Caseworker

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General Description

Under the supervision of the Chief Public Defender, works directly with clients assigned to the Galveston County Misdemeanor Mental Health Public Defenders Office. Works collaboratively with the other members of the office to assist clients in connecting with housing, substance abuse, mental health, medical, employment, and any other relevant services/benefits during comprehensive client-centered representation. Provides support for Assistant Public Defenders to advocate for pre-trial release, dismissals, diversions, and/or alternatives to conviction and/or incarceration. Provides trial support/investigation as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Provides psychosocial data to support the legal position being presented in court.
• Conducts comprehensive intake interviews in the local jail, of incarcerated clients, (and office -based interviews for bonded clients) to determine clients' basic demographic information, living situation, relationship and family dynamics, legal status, education history, employment history, physical health, mental health, substance use history, and self-identified goals and needs.
• Promptly uploads completed intake interviews to the client's file.
• Requests and uploads all relevant medical/psychological records of the clients.
• Attends regular collaborative meetings and staffing with the attorney.
• Routinely, and currently, keeps the clients' files well notated as to all relevant information/events.
• Reviews and helps develop case service plans. Initiates/facilitates referrals to mental health treatment and other services for clients, as soon as possible, to ensure rapid engagement in services.
• Identifies and conducts interviews with family, friends, employers, and other support system members in the community who can aid in clients' success.
• Meets clients upon release from jail and provides transportation to appropriate lodging.
• Routinely provides transportation for clients to mental health appointments, and court, if necessary.
• Accompanies clients to court and provides emotional support to the client as well as serving as a factual resource for the attorney.
• Completes special projects and other duties as assigned by the Assistant Public Defenders and/or the Chief Public Defender. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs related work as assigned.

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or modified at any time.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field (please no Criminal Justice degrees) from an accredited institution.
• Bilingualism is desirable.
• Extensive related experience preferred.

Other Requirements

• Ability to testify in court without impeachment (may preclude applicants convicted of certain crimes).
• Ability to travel to the courthouse or other criminal justice system facilities to see clients and witnesses, or to testify in court.
• Possess excellent interpersonal, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a legal services team hierarchy.
• The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description.

The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

The work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.

The work is typically performed in an office.

Emergency Preparedness Tier Level: 4

Special Certifications and Licenses:

Possess a valid driver's license and have access to a vehicle in order to access clients and witnesses.

Department: Public Defender's Office

Salary: $50,561.00

The County of Galveston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.