Executive Service
PUBLIC DEFENDER FORENSIC SOCIAL WORKER
TN District Public Defenders Conference
Legal
Greeneville, TN
Annual Salary: $64,368.00 - $96,564.00
Closing Date: 07/20/2026
Who we are and what we do:
Public defender social workers recognize that involvement in the criminal justice system is usually symptomatic of systemic and psycho social challenges. They provide support to defense attorneys via alternative sentencing plans (and other appropriate sentencing advocacy strategies) and assist by developing relationships and working closely with clients to help them navigate the criminal justice system and play an active role in shaping their future.
Job Overview:
Completion of needs assessments for clients referred by attorneys of the 3rd Judicial District Public Defenders office as well as making individualized recommendations regarding the clients service needs. Consultation with attorneys and collaboration with appropriate agencies to coordinate needed services. Linkage to substance abuse and mental health treatment; resource assistance related to housing, employment, and education; release and alternative sentence plan preparation; and general case management. Engaging clients in local jails, district public defender offices, and in the community to encourage a supportive relationship, to monitor resource utilization, and to assess overall client stability. Support services such as crisis intervention and supportive counselling. Responsible for six months and one-year follow-up with clients to track recidivism and to report program data. Maintains required statistical information and data collection. Tracks and documents all services, activities, and interactions with and/or on behalf of clients in defenderData (dD), as case management system utilized by the District Public Defenders office. Adhering to TN Rules of Professional Conduct.
Minimum Qualifications:
Masters Degree in Social Work; LCSW a plus
Licensed Social Worker in the State of Tennessee or obtain licensure within one year of employment.
Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.