Juvenile Mitigation Specialist/Investigator

The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office's Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) represents children in the dependency system. The Juvenile Caseworker provides vitally important information to the Child Advocacy Unit attorneys about our clients. The Juvenile Caseworker visits clients in their home placements, at school, foster care settings, congregate care settings, in medical facilities, and other locations, to gather information from and about our clients. This includes information about the conditions of the home, health and safety concerns, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, service needs and family relationships.

Juvenile caseworkers should have a working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues. The Juvenile Caseworker must have an ability to connect with children and gain their trust. They must be able to work with children of all ages, genders, religions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Juvenile caseworkers work under limited day-to-day supervision of the Chief of the Child Advocacy Unit. They prepare and submit timely written reports of observations and recommendations to the assigned attorney. They immediately respond to any inquiries regarding case status from the assigned attorney and seek assistance from their supervisor when prudent or required.

Juvenile caseworkers should be flexible, have a team player attitude and be willing to assist other staff members as needed or directed. They are to be professional, patient, and understanding when interacting with clients, caregivers, colleagues, and supervisors. Juvenile caseworkers are to have a pleasant demeanor in the office and demonstrate effective communication with colleagues.

* Visit with clients, caretakers and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients.
* Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, in order to observe and document the children's current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing.
* During client contact, the caseworker is expected to note any services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review.
* Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family.
* Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed.
* Assist attorneys with client interviews.
* Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client.
* Manage and maintain caseload.
* Schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings.

* Visit with clients, caretakers and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients.
* Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, in order to observe and document the children's current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing.
* During client contact, the caseworker is expected to note any services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review.
* Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family.
* Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed.
* Assist attorneys with client interviews.
* Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client
* Manage and maintain caseload.
* Schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings

Education and Credentials
Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Education, or a closely related discipline. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an associate degree combined with significant direct experience in a related field may be considered.

Experience and Skills
* Basic computer literacy including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required.
* Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills required.
* Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.
* Reliable transportation and valid driver's license required.

* The work environment is a general office environment but will also require visiting facilities, meeting clients in foster homes and kinship resource homes, and occasionally working in outdoor social settings or presenting at conferences.
* Prolonged sitting, standing, or walking in an office environment is required.
* Significant and repeated use of a keyboard.