Objectives Summary
Our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood.
Provide direct supervision to employees of the Social Work Unit, this includes licensed social workers and case management staff. Ensure the delivery of defense oriented services throughout the state in support of a criminal defense team by the development of plans for addressing client life situations that if mitigated, may increase the opportunities to improve their lives. Provide alternatives to incarceration and sentencing through the criminal justice system.
Essential Functions
The Social Work Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the overall effectiveness of the Social Work Unit across the state, including but not limited to: effective oversight and administration of psychosocial evaluations/assessments; assists with identifying effective referrals for out-patient and in-patient services, intensive case management, and other medical and mental health care as needed.
- Conducts field visits and crisis intervention as needed.
- This position requires a high degree of independent, effective and timely decision-making, an open mind, and an understanding that every response is conditional based on context.
- Identify and analyze problems; weigh accuracy and relevance of information; generate and evaluate alternative solutions; and make recommendations.
- This position works closely with the Social Work Director and the social work department staff to ensure that program development and services meet clients’ needs.
- This position leads and trains social work staff, students and/or interns engaged in related client care activities, as appropriate.
- Ensures that staff and students adhere to LOPD Policies and Procedures, the Social Work Code of Ethics, and the LOPD Code of Conduct. Willing to work to support the overall mission of the organization.
- Understanding of the dynamics of substance abuse, mental health issues, homelessness, interpersonal violence, and the impact on the family and child development.
- Ensures the appropriate level of functioning for each social work office, including equipment management, upholding reporting requirements and assistance to attorneys.
- Develop the Social Worker and Case Manager staff by promoting teamwork and positive communication and providing guidance through consistent and on-going supervision.
- Provides services, management, and leadership reflective of a working knowledge of holistic defense and trauma responsive service provision.
- Develop effective internal and external training opportunities to enhance skills such as interview techniques, courtroom etiquette/appearances, relationships with community providers, etc.
- Directly supervise the work of social work unit employees and student interns throughout the state as directed by the Social Work Director.
- Under the direction of the Social Work Director, review and submit staffing plans, approve timesheets, leave requests, and reconcile vehicle usage logs and receipts.
- Interview and recommend selection of applicants, conduct annual performance evaluations, address and notates performance issues and needs in a direct and timely manner. When necessary, work with Social Work Director to implement disciplinary procedures as described in NMAC 10.12.11.
- Conduct client case reviews with Social Work staff to ensure timeliness and appropriateness of referrals resulting from treatment plans, psycho/social interviews, and other relevant tools used to evaluate client needs.
- Ensure that Social Work Unit staff, and clients have access to effective systems for communication regarding programs and services, client care, and other internal organizational needs and concerns.
- Provide practical court advocacy training for staff on client representation by recommending alternatives to incarceration, mitigation, and client preparation before and during the plea phase and/or to mitigate less incarceration time, prepare client before and during the plea phase per attorney request and meet the attorney’s request. Make recommendations, as needed.
- Consults with other providers, as appropriate, to provide comprehensive treatment for clients served; makes client referrals when indicated.
Develop written reports from data gathered for management.Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Note: An employee with this classification may be required to perform duties of a lower classification without additional compensation. Employee will be required to show competence in all levels GG through JJ.