Client Support Specialist I/II

About the Opportunity

**** This recruitment will close after 50 applications are received*****
**** The Client Support Specialist will work in a grant funded position until June 1, 2028.****

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Stanislaus County Public Defender's Office fights mass incarceration by providing zealous representation to low-income people facing criminal charges. The Public Defender seeks to serve the whole client, addressing needs that contribute to criminal legal involvement or that arise from contact with the legal system. The office is client-centered in its representation, recognizing that all clients deserve autonomy, dignity, and respect throughout their experience with the justice system. The Client Support Specialist will join a team of over 80 attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and other staff dedicated to keeping people free and preserving their future despite the criminal charges they may be facing.

We’re looking for someone who brings a genuine passion for social justice, civil rights, or public service-and who has pursued that commitment through their education, work, or volunteer experiences. In this role, you’ll stand alongside individuals who have been marginalized, guided by the belief that everyone in the criminal justice system has the capacity to move forward and deserves meaningful support.
You’re someone who approaches challenges with creativity and determination, finding thoughtful, effective solutions to the barriers our clients face. You have the emotional resilience to witness difficult realities and still return each day with purpose and motivation. Collaboration comes naturally to you, and you thrive working as part of a multidisciplinary team-both within the Public Defender’s Office and alongside community partners, county staff, and the public. We deeply value lived experiences that reflect those of the communities we serve, as they help build trust and authentic connection. If you’ve been personally impacted by the criminal legal system or share similar experiences with our clients, we strongly encourage you to apply.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Application Deadline: 4/29/2May 8, 2026
Oran Examination: Tentatively scheduled for the week of May 18, 2026

To learn more about the Office of the Public Defender, click here.

THE POSITION
As a Client Support Specialist I/II, you will provide direct support to public defender clients with the goal of reducing incarceration and connecting individuals to appropriate community-based services. In this role, you will help mitigate the non-criminal consequences of arrest, including impacts on housing, employment, public benefits, and other critical areas of stability. You will collaborate with attorneys and clients to assess needs, develop individualized service plans, and facilitate referrals to community resources that address social service and civil legal needs. This position requires a proactive approach, ensuring that clients are able to access recommended services by identifying and addressing potential barriers.
Client Support Specialists develop in-depth knowledge of services available within Stanislaus County and maintain professional relationships with community partners. Additional responsibilities include assisting clients and their families in understanding the court process and supporting post-release planning. You may also support attorneys by gathering and documenting relevant information regarding a client’s background, current circumstances, and service engagement. This information may be communicated informally or through written reports to assist in achieving more favorable case outcomes. The Client Support Specialist II classification is distinguished by a focus on serving clients with substance use and/or mental health disorders.

Typical Tasks

CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (CASEWORKER I)

• Conduct interviews and build relationships with clients by visiting them in their homes, in jail, and in other non-office settings;
• Depending on client needs and attorney direction, assist clients with issues such as (but not limited to):
  • Development of re-entry plans;
  • Assistance with program placement for behavioral health or substance use counseling;
  • Connection to supportive services to assist clients with meeting basic needs, such as emergency housing, job training, identification, and public benefits;
  • Obtaining representation in housing, employment, family, or immigration-related legal matters that are connected to the client’s criminal case;
  • Maintaining or obtaining employment or driver’s licenses;
  • Assistance with enrollment in schooling or other educational programs;
• Partner closely with attorneys to support arguments for better legal outcomes, including providing relevant information and records, and drafting persuasive narrative reports;
• Research, evaluate, and recommend alternatives to incarceration which would adequately address client needs and court requirements;
• Maintain detailed knowledge of criminal legal processes and requirements; share information with Public Defender clients and their families about the criminal legal process, and assist them in overcoming barriers to reaching their goals;
• Appear in court for court hearings to support clients and their family members, as needed;
• Maintain accurate and specific case records and logs of assignments and tasks performed, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations;
• Build relationships with schools, hospitals, community-based organizations, and other service providers, and;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALISTII (CASEWORKER II)


The same tasks described in level I plus:

• Interview and assess clients in office or in non-office settings, such as jail, prison or mental health treatment facilities, etc. Gather social history information for use by clinicians or attorneys in developing case plans, primarily focusing on clients who suffer from substance use disorders and/or mental health disorders which are manageable with medication;
• Recommend, refer, and facilitate placement of willing clients to inpatient or outpatient drug or alcohol treatment program; and
• Perform intensive casework services with clients and their families.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

KNOWLEDGE
CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (CASEWORKER I)

• Principles and techniques of motivational interviewing and maintaining social casework records;
• Laws, rules and regulations governing a public defense agency, departmental policies, rules and regulations;
• Community organization and the use of public and private community resources;
• Current trends and methodology in the field of public social services;
• Dynamics of individual and group behavior, human growth and development, family relationships; medical-psycho-socio- economic factors affecting individuals and families;
• Adult and juvenile court processes and procedures;
• Culturally proficient practices with diverse case load;
• Basic theories of alcohol and drug problems and addictions, and psychological development disorders;
• Scope and activities of the public and private health and welfare agencies and other available resources; and
• Principles and techniques of mental health education, prevention, and crisis intervention within the community.

CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST II (CASEWORKER II)
Demonstrated knowledge required in level I plus:

• Current recovery models for recovery from substance use disorders; and
• State regulations pertaining to client confidentiality.

SKILLS/ABILITIES
CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST I/II (CASEWORKER I/II)

• Conduct motivational interviewing;
• Work collaboratively as part of a team, under the direction of behavioral health staff and/or attorneys;
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports and records;
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form;
• Manage a caseload in a timely and effective manner;
• Demonstrate skilled casework methods and practices;
• Demonstrate adaptability to change;
• Work independently;
• Appreciate and understand history and dynamics associated with poverty and childhood trauma, and generational addiction or behavior health family dynamics;
• Relate appropriately to persons in times of emergency and crisis;
• Work effectively with a variety of human values and social backgrounds;
• Obtain and record social, educational, and work histories; understand and evaluate technically written materials; and
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with other County departments, State and Federal agencies and members of the defense team.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST I (CASEWORKER I)
PATTERN I

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or closely related field.
• NOTE: Progressively responsible experience as listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

PATTERN II

• One (1) year of full time, professional experience in a social work or substance use disorder treatment setting.

CLIENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST II (CASEWORKER II)PATTERN I

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a closely related field.
• NOTE: Progressively responsible experience as listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

PATTERN II

• Three (3) years of full time, professional experience in a social work or substance use disorder treatment setting including a minimum of two (2) years performing substance use disorder evaluations and referrals.
• NOTE: Possession of a current Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist credential may substitute for one (1) year of the education/experience requirement.

Proof of education may be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-4260 to make other arrangements. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening will focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• One (1) year of experience working in a Public Defender office, Legal Aid office, public interest law organization or similar setting; OR
• One (1) year of full-time experience providing client-centered social services within marginalized communities, such as public benefits enrollment, housing or healthcare navigation, or job readiness training.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consist of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION
Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community & Health Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes. The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab. Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed. DISCLAIMER
Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 5/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• Stanislaus County

• (209) 525-6341

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