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.

Case Managers assist social workers and attorneys representing clients faced with criminal charges in New Mexico through the development of plans for addressing life situations that if mitigated may improve a client’s opportunity for improving their lives and providing alternatives to punishment through the criminal justice system.

Nature of Work
Case Managers assist social workers with helping clients cope with and solve issue in their everyday lives, such as family and personal problems and dealing with relationships.  Case Managers may help clients who face a disability, life-threatening disease, social problem such as inadequate housing, unemployment or substance abuse.  Case Managers also assist families that have serious domestic conflicts sometimes involving child or spousal abuse.  Additionally, they may assist with conducting research, advocate for improved services or assist with planning and policy development.

Essential Functions

  • The Case Manager (Social Worker Assistant): Provides case management services to social worker and defense team.
  • Assists with preparing motions and orders for competency, filing and scheduling evaluation dates and times.
  • Maintains regular contact with social workers and attorneys regarding assigned caseload and on-going needs of client; including but not limited to, medical, psychiatric, security or competency considerations.  Maintains regular contact with assigned clients/caseload, as needed.
  • Assist with securing treatment programs and/or mental health services for clients.
  • Provide clients and families with updates regarding their cases or relay communication to their attorneys.
  • Coordinate with social worker to assign duties to social work intern students.
  • Work with Probation and Parole Department to assess the need and/or benefit for clients to receive treatment.
  • Travel to detention centers to meet with clients.
  • Assist with interviews for intake, assessment, referral and reassessment.  Assist social worker with case management services, present case finding and review case records; maintaining accurate records and progress notes; and assist with treatment and discharge planning and risk assessments.
  • Conduct case follow up, coordinate programs and evaluate social service program delivery.
  • Prepare administrative reports, assist with consultation and in-service training to staff; recommends service delivery; provides crisis and/or emergency services; maintains case records and management information systems; observes and describes behavior and interaction; communicate with families in behavior management.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications Associates degree in Human Services or Social Sciences and two (2) years of experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling.  Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related filed and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Employment Requirements Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License. Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to. Default FLSA: Non-exempt The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition. This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.
Job Contact
Victoria Mueller
5053952888 LOPD-HR@lopdnm.us