Social Worker - Juvenile Unit

FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER 

373 South High Street, 12th Floor     Columbus, Ohio 43215

614-525-3194         614-461-6470 (fax)

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Open Position

Position:                Social Worker – Juvenile Unit

Starting Salary:     $53,000* 

Deadline:               09/12/2025

Instructions:          Applicants interested in the above position, please submit your resume and cover letter to marice@franklincountyohio.gov or fax to 614-461-6470.

The Franklin County Public Defender’s Office is now accepting applications for the position of Social Worker in our Juvenile Court Unit.  We are an office of approximately 150 staff including attorneys, social workers, investigators, law clerks and support staff.  We handle every aspect of indigent criminal defense across juvenile, misdemeanor, felony and appellate divisions.  Our office is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally diverse staff with expertise and interest in serving our indigent clientele who come to us with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities. 

The ideal candidate should be self-motivated and have a demonstrated dedication to indigent defense, excellent communication skills (oral and written), strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment.

The duties of this position include, but is not limited to, case planning, interviewing, treatment planning, community resources and human development.  The social worker will work with indigent clients on cases in juvenile delinquency, unruly, and traffic cases while representing adults on permanent custody of children for purposes of adoption and child support.  Juvenile social workers also collaborate with the Common Pleas, Municipal, Appellate and Investigator Units to provide specialized knowledge to best defend Public Defender clients.  The typical job duties include but are not limited to the following:

1. Interviews client, family and all pertinent parties to compile social histories and information relative to client’s presenting problems, environment, behavior patterns, etc. Has client and family sign release of information forms to gather all service provider history.  Provides psychosocial write-ups and case summaries to defense attorney.
2. Collaborates with defense attorney, court personnel, social services agencies, psychologists, Franklin County Children Services, court appointed attorneys, prosecutors and other professionals to provide best possible dispositional outcomes for client.  Remains in constant contact with these professionals and completes community visits when necessary.
3. Aids defense attorney by assessing clients for possible competency evaluations, psychological testing, sex offender assessments, polygraphs and other assessments based on interview and psychological information gathered on the client.
4. Proposes positive alternatives to incarceration, removal of children from the home and other penalties.
5. Visits clients in the Juvenile Intervention Center, attends client’s team meetings at probation, family assessment and Franklin County Children Services to advocate on clients’ behalf and gather information to aid in their case. Completes home visits when necessary.
6. Educates clients on the workings of the court system and provide information and referrals on community services to clients and families.
7. Attends court hearings for all clients and works with defense attorney on defense strategy and on-going needs of the case.
8. Maintains a knowledge of social agencies and their services and a line of communication with such agencies.
9. Performs other similar and related duties as may be designated by the Unit Chief, Social Work Supervisor or Attorneys.

Requirements:

1. Four (4) year degree in an accredited college or university in Social Work.
2. Must have a current License for Social Work (LSW) in the State of Ohio.
3. One (1) year of experience (preferred) in the field of social work, ideally associated with the judicial system; knowledge of counseling and of local social agencies and services.
4. Ability to effectively communicate with clients and others, both inside and outside the Public Defender organization.
5. Must have a car, good driving record, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance.
6. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information relative to clients and other associates.

A well-qualified candidate will be able to develop and maintain skills in time management and organization as well as work independently and contribute to a team-based environment.  Interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume to marice@franklincountyohio.gov. 

*Subject to applicant’s experience and Director’s Discretion