The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD), Parental Defense Division (PDD), is seeking (2) attorneys to serve as essential team members in the Better Together Early Family Advocacy Program. This is a federal grant-funded project to assist families who come into contact with the Family Policing System/Child Welfare System due to allegations of child abuse or neglect. The program aims to protect the rights of families and prevent family separation. We are currently hiring for two positions, one in Baltimore City and one in Baltimore County.
MOPD’s vision is for Justice, Fairness, and Dignity for All, and we are committed to our core values of fostering a culture of excellence, providing client-centered representation and tenacious advocacy, and being united in achieving our mission. Learn more about MOPD’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Overview of the Position
The Better Together Early Family Advocacy Program supports parents, at risk of losing their children to foster care, through a multidisciplinary team of lawyers, social workers, and parent advocates. Each professional provides specialized services tailored to the client’s needs.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Protect clients’ Constitutional rights to raise their children by providing prepetition legal advice when parents are under investigation by the Department of Social Services Child Protective Services (CPS).
- Advocate for families navigating CPS involvement.
- Provide legal counsel and advocacy for adjacent legal family matters (i.e. protective and custody matters).
- Organize community outreach for the Better Together Program.
- If a CINA petition is filed, gather evidence and prepare a transfer memo for the assigned attorney.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary defense team.
- Keep records to track case outcomes.
- Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and service providers.
- Pursue continuous professional development and supervise law school interns.
Salary: The salary range for these positions is $84,000.00-$118,000.00, depending on experience.
Apply: Click here to learn more about the positions and to apply today.
As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Assistant Public Defenders are full-time employees who serve at the pleasure of the Public Defender. Criminal Procedure Art., Section 16-203(d). Assistant Public Defenders cannot engage in the private practice of law while in these positions.