• Job Summary

    The Office of First Defense will provide quality legal defense to persons magistrated in Travis County under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Magistration is the critical step in the Criminal Legal Process in which an Arrestee goes before a Magistrate Judge to have their bail set and the conditions for their release. Once fully staffed, the office will represent approximately 14,000 clients each year in these limited-scope proceedings. This is an opportunity to help create a holistic, client-centered public defender office from the ground up.

    Case workers are critical to our team. The case worker determines Applicant’s eligibility for a variety of social services related to crisis intervention and short-term case management. The case worker interviews clients, collects and completes required eligibility documentation, and monitors client progress and use of assistance. The case worker also refers clients to clinical and social service provider resources.

    Magistration Shifts occur during the day, night, weekends, and holidays. Case workers selected for this position will be required to work those days and hours.

    Distinguishing Characteristics: 

    This is a job classification within the Social Services job family. This classification is distinguished from other social services classes due to the eligibility-related functions and short-term case management for various clients. This classification includes problem-solving assistance and functioning as an advocate on behalf of the client. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

    Duties and Responsibilities

    • Provides high-quality criminal defense representation that complies with state and federal constitutions, state statutes, ethical rules, and state and national standards.
    • Interviews clients, collects and completes required documentation and determines eligibility for assistance based upon a variety of service regulations and procedures.
    • Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to achieve client-centered goals.
    • Provides basic needs counseling and problem-solving assistance or case management services for clients. Conducts assessment of needs, develops casework/service plans and provides social services related to crisis intervention.
    • Coordinates with other service agencies, organizations, and vendors to provide appropriate services and information for clients as wells as referrals.
    • Serves as an advocate on behalf of clients.
    • Makes appropriate referrals to service, education, or health agencies as needed.
    • May plan, organize, and participate in special projects, including outreach efforts, public speaking, and special activities. Provides education and training to clients and community.
    • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

    Minimum Requirements

    Education and Experience:
    Bachelor’s degree in one of the Social or Behavioral Sciences AND two (2) years experience in social services related work;

    OR,

    Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

    Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
    Valid Texas Driver’s License.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    Knowledge of:

    • Policies, practices, procedures and terminology related to social work.
    • Local social services, organizations and program resources available.
    • Federal, State, and Local program laws and requirements.
    • Modern office practices, procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
    • Federal and State law requirements for required confidentiality of certain health information.

    Skill in:

    • Problem-solving and decision-making.
    • Interviewing clients.
    • Providing assistance to clients.
    • Referring clients to appropriate social services, organizations, and programs.
    • Verbal and written communication.

    Ability to:

    • Deal effectively with persons experiencing crises and economic stress.
    • Demonstrate consistent, sound, and mature judgment in the effective and efficient use of human and financial resources.
    • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
    • Work independently.
    • Manage time well and perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
    • Work well under pressure and exercise tact in trying situations.
    • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, clients, clients’ family and friends, and other departments.

    Work Environment & Other Information

    Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 25 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, client/customer contact, squatting to perform the essential functions.

    Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

    Work Hours: Shift Work (6 am-2 pm or 2-10 pm). May work some holidays, some nights, some weekends

    Location: Criminal Justice Center (CJC) – 507 W. 11th St, Austin TX 78701

    Department: Community Legal Services

    Criminal background check, Education,

    Employment verification required.

    This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

    Requirements
    Job Contact
    Emily Steinberg
    Emily.Steinberg@traviscountytx.gov