Disposition Specialist (Defense Social Worker) - Columbia Children's Defense Team

Job Location: This position will be located at Woodrail Centre, 1000 West Nifong Blvd., Building 7, Suite 100, Columbia, MO 65203

Why you’ll love this position:

The Missouri State Public Defender is an agency dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney in criminal cases. We are committed to upholding the constitutional right to counsel and ensuring fair and just legal proceedings for all citizens including children. The Children's Defense Team is trained in the specialized field of children’s defense and are critical to ensuring fair proceedings and that the child’s voice is heard.

This is professional work in the development and presentation of dispositional plans for juveniles who are charged with offenses which would be considered a crime under Missouri statues if the juvenile were an adult.

An employee in this class performs a variety of professional tasks involving investigation and presentation of evidence in juvenile dispositional hearings, certification hearings and adult court if the juvenile is certified to stand trial as an adult. Work will involve investigating alternative placement options to the recommendation of the Deputy Juvenile Officer in detention hearings, pre-adjudication placement and post disposition placement in line with the expressed interest of the child. The Juvenile Disposition Specialist will present social science literature and research on adolescent brain development, and present mitigation case plans that are least-restrictive and individually based.

The Juvenile Disposition Specialist will also work on cases where the anticipated result is jail, certification or placement in an institution outside of a child’s home. They will strive to work with every child client and provide support and resources to children and families pre and post-adjudication.

Job duties include:

Interviews clients and creates file documenting case contacts. Makes collateral contacts with family, employers, teachers, counselors, mental health professionals, community members and social service workers. Contacts and secures witnesses for hearings, assists attorney in preparing witnesses for hearing. Makes recommendations to attorney regarding expert assistance needed. Works with outside agencies to determine appropriateness of placements for juvenile in connection with the child’s expressed interest. Prepares plans for alternative dispositions to be presented in court. Obtains relevant records such as school records, medical records, previous placement records, social files, Division of Family Services records. Completes social history for use by the attorney and experts. Present plan and written report as needed. Obtains letters of support for juvenile. Tracks availability of bed space in facilities; keeps database of community resources; sets up tours of facilities. Trains and works with social work interns assigned to the division. Assists the Director in grant writing. Researches case-specific issues such as child development, mental disorders, etc. Understands risk/needs assessments and is able to challenge them if necessary. Collect, compile and train on new social science data and adolescent brain development articles. Understanding of the Deputy Juvenile Officer Standards and able to utilize them on behalf of the child. Track and collect data for future grants and expansion of juvenile unit statewide.

Working knowledge of the general methods of social casework and client confidentiality. Working knowledge of interview methods and case history development. Working knowledge of human behavior, child development, attitudes and motivation and ability to apply this knowledge to plan development. Ability to develop rapport and conduct interviews with reluctant or hostile individuals. Ability to prepare accurate and complete case records and reports. Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion when evaluating situations and making decisions. Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments. Working knowledge of the legal system and laws, particularly in the area of juvenile representation. Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff of outside agencies.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related field; Master of Social Work preferred.

This is a full-time position based in Columbia. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .

The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.

Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov

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• State of Missouri

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