Mental Health Unit (Mhu) Social Work Case Manager

Orleans Public Defenders is accepting applications for our full-timeMental Health Unit (MHU) Social Work Case Managerposition.

Vision

Dignity. Justice. Hope.

Mission

The mission of the Orleans Public Defenders is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system, and partnering with the community.

The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in Orleans Parish. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered defense model that puts the client first and takes a 360-degree approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; Social Workers; client, youth, and parent advocates; investigators, and administrators all working together for equal justice for our clients, their families, our community, and a better New Orleans. In short, we protect innocence, defend the constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable. OPD is committed to providing zealous client-centered, community-oriented defense. Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, Social Workers, and court support administrators.

JOB SUMMARY

The Mental HealthSocial Work Case Manager (SWCM) is part of OPD’s client-centered representation offering holistic legal and social services to our clients and working for fair, community-oriented, legal outcomes for our clients. In an effort to address the rise in chronic Mental Health issues faced by our clients and community, the Social Work Case Manager will work to reduce the reliance on incarceration as a means for treatment and instead work to support and improve advocacy for clients throughout the case process, thus increasing success upon release.

The Mental Health SWCM will collaborate closely with the defense team, and particularly the Mental Health Unit attorney, to identify clients in need and develop highly individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans based on the specific needs of each client. This includes, but is not limited to, gathering medical records, documenting personal/familial Mental Health histories and working with jail care and other Mental Health providers to promptly ensure our clients receive the necessary treatment. The SWCM will help identify causes and symptoms related to their diagnosis and work to connect clients to appropriate service providers and ensure they receive the necessary treatment, care, and services.

The Mental Health SWCM is part of OPD’s Mental Health Unit. The SWCM will work closely with the Mental Health Unit attorney for many of their assigned cases. The number of clients at OPD with Mental Health diagnoses or symptoms is several hundred a year, and all will fall under the larger purview of the Mental Health unit. However, realistically, the Mental Health SWCM will have an active caseload of about 30 clients at a time.

The caseload for the Mental Health SWCM will include three main groups of clients:

1. Pre-trial clients whose cases are active within the office;

2. Clients out of jail and in need of community services; and

3. Clients whose cases are post-disposition, or who are found incompetent to stand trial, and are currently housed at a state hospital.

These clients may have cases at Criminal Court, Municipal Court, or Juvenile Court.

The Mental Health SWCM will also be available for emergency situations that arise. For example, if a client presents at the office in distress due to active symptoms of a mental illness, the Mental Health SWCM may be called to evaluate and resolve the crisis, even the client is not a part of her active caseload.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants are required to possess a LMSW certification in Louisiana; a LCSW certification in Louisiana (or licensure in progress) preferred. Applicant must have experience working with people with mental illness from diverse cultural, racial and socio-ethnic backgrounds, and commitment to improving the lives of people suffering from mental illness. Other qualifications include the ability to remain organized and prioritize assignments and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients and various groups, colleagues, staff and members of the Mental Health community. The ideal applicant will demonstrate comfort working in a high-volume, fast-paced legal environment, multi-tasking many different responsibilities, and managing multiple clients. Applicants will be able to work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.

BENEFITS

This is a full-time, position with a competitive salary and benefits. The minimum salary is $50,000, with starting salary commensurate with experience and skills.

OPD also offers a generous benefit package that BEGINS ON YOUR FIRST DAY. It includes:

• 100% Employer paid MEDICAL, DENTAL, and VISION coverages for employee.
• 100% Employer paid Life and AD&D coverage.
• Supplemental Life and AD&D coverage (Employee/Spouse/Dependents)
• Employer Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (3% of salary) AND
• Employer Matching Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (up to an additional 3% of salary)
• Employee Discount Program (at no cost)
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
• Paid Vacation / Sick /Bereavement Leave
• Federal/State/Orleans Criminal District Court Holiday schedules observed

TO APPLY

Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position:

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position,
2. Resume,
3. Three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. All materials should be uploaded to ADP. The application closing date is Friday, February 23, 2024, 5:00 pm CST, but applicants will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

OPD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

The Orleans Public Defenders provide representation to indigent criminal defendants in Orleans Parish. OPD’s mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community. OPD is committed to representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal legal system.