Job Details

OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB

The position involves assessment, service procurement and case management of Public

Defender Office caseload of defendants in criminal litigation. The candidate selected may testify

in adult proceedings and/or write recommendations to be used in court proceedings and

should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The work requires active involvement with clients throughout the legal process, which includes consultations with attorneys, judges, psychiatrists, probation officers, treatment agencies, family and other support systems (beginning sometime shortly after a client's arrest and ending at the point of disposition.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

1. Conducting client assessments (if permitted by law) in the office and at the various locations (an occasional visit to a state corrections facility may be required) to help determine competency, alcohol/drug dependence, legal insanity, etc.:
2. Conducting client assessments (if permitted by law) at mental health institutions, Clarion County Correctional Facility and other places of confinement to determine competency to stand trial, mental health status and/or drug/alcohol dependency, legal insanity, etc.;
3. Referring to and negotiation with community resources to service client needs;
4. Collecting prior hospital and treatment records when necessary to assist with assessment/treatment planning;
5. Contacting family and other support systems to gather information to assist with assessment and treatment planning;
6. Preparing written records/memoranda on all clients evaluated; which are forwarded to and make a part of the legal file and/or discussed with the assigned attorney;
7. Providing court testimony (if permitted by law) on behalf of clients when needed;
8. Maintaining well documented and dated files on all clients;
9. Preparing social summaries and sentencing reports when necessary;
10. Assisting attorneys in the preparation of insanity defenses;
11. Assisting clients with securing funding for treatment when necessary;
12. Must participate in staff meetings as scheduled; and
13. Other responsibilities as dictated by the needs of the client and the unit including, but not limited to, investigation on criminal matters related to social services area.

1. Performs similar or related duties as assigned/required.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB

1. Attends meetings, training, seminars as required.
2. Performs other job-related duties as required.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

No formal supervision except as occasionally delegated by supervisor when needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives occasional instruction and limited supervision from attorneys or supervisor regarding daily work duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Works indoors in adequate workspace, lighting, temperatures, and ventilation.
2. Works with average office exposure to noise and stress, but subject to frequent disruptions.
3. Normal exposure to indoor dust/dirt.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Must possess hearing, seeing, speaking and reasoning senses necessary to carry out job duties.
2. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
3. Must be able to sit for long periods during the workday, with frequent standing, walking and occasional bending, twisting, stooping, reaching, and grasping as necessary to carry out essential job duties.
4. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; to simple movements of feet/legs/torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
5. Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with weights of 10 pounds.
6. Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
7. Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. EDUCATION/TRAINING

BSW or BA/BS in related Human Services field.

1. WORK EXPERIENCE

2-4 years working experience in law office, government, or administrative environment, or acceptable combination of training, education, and/or experience.

1. CLEARANCE

Must work in conjunction with employer to apply for Act 34 PA State Police Criminal History, Act 151 PA Child Abuse and FBI clearances. All clearances must reflect acceptable results. Clearances must be renewed every three years.

Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by “Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs.”

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language and to follow oral and written instructions.
2. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills.
3. Must be able to function independently, have flexibility and personal integrity, and work effectively with clients, judicial authorities, co-workers, and others.
4. Must maintain confidentiality regarding client information and records, as well as any other information obtained in the position.
5. Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers.
6. Knowledge of legal terminology a plus.
7. Knowledge of the operation and procedures of the criminal court systems a plus.
8. Must possess the ability to take and transcribe legal dictation and type from drafts clearly and accurately and within a reasonable speed.
9. Must possess ability to prepare and maintain files and reports.
10. Must possess the ability to compose replies to routine correspondence.
11. Must possess the knowledge and ability to assist in the preparation and assembly of legal documents.
12. Must possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to coordinate several schedules and/or projects with accuracy and efficiency.
13. Must be able to travel to various locations including state and local prisons and mental hospitals.
14. Must have valid driver’s license.