Forensic Social Worker/Forensic Professional Counselor

PDS Overview:

The Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) is a federally funded, independent organization governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees. PDS provides legal representation for indigent individuals who are charged with criminal offenses in the District of Columbia and face a loss of liberty. PDS has approximately 230 employees comprised of attorneys, social workers, mitigation specialists, investigative specialists, and administrative and technical staff who collaborate with each other to advance the PDS mission. The PDS main office is located at 633 3rd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and all employees are entitled to participate in certain federal benefits plans: health and life insurance, federal retirement system, and the Thrift Savings Plan. 

Employment at the Public Defender Service is considered “At Will” and is not considered as federal nor District of Columbia government employment.

Division Overview:

The Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD) provides the clinical component of the defense in the representation of adult and/or juvenile clients. ORD assists staff attorneys and, at times, attorneys practicing under the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) develop least restrictive, individualized sentencing and rehabilitation plans for clients, in-depth mitigation reports, case-based counseling, case management, and collaboration with legal and/or juvenile justice agencies and other parties working with our clients.

Major Duties:

This position is located in the Office of Rehabilitation and Development and provides services to adult client arrested for serious violations in the District of Columbia. Under the general supervision of the division chief, the incumbent will:

• Evaluate clients and devise, recommend, and implement individualized service/treatment options in the least restrictive settings as well as memoranda in aid of sentencing and in-depth mitigation reports.

• Work in concert with legal counsel on behalf of PDS clients and, at times, appointed counsel clients through the Criminal Justice Act (CJA).

• Visit clients, family, and other collateral contacts to establish personal background and history summaries.

• Visit clients at their residence, jails, hospitals, group homes/halfway houses, and other similar locations.

• Develop dispositional plans geared to the specific and individual needs of each client, evaluate and recommend treatment options and prison programs (where appropriate).

• Identify and make referrals for mental health and medical services, substance abuse treatment, education, and other services.

• Work with local social service agencies to identify programs and resources for clients and their families and keep abreast of and develop cooperative relationships with service organizations and legal agencies to assist clients with matters related to their rehabilitation and develop dispositional strategies.

Compensation:

Salary Range: $78,592 to $102,166/year 

Promotion Potential: AD-13 (equivalent to GS-13)
The incumbent may be promoted without further competition upon completion of one year of exemplary performance.

Benefits:

PDS is funded by federal appropriations, and employees are entitled to participate in federal benefits plans, federal retirement systems, and the workers compensation program. Transferring federal employees will receive recognition of creditable federal service for leave accrual and retirement purposes (as applicable). Benefits include:

• Federal Employees Retirement Systems (retirement annuity)

• Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401K program)

• Federal Employees Health Benefits (health insurance)

• Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (life insurance)

• Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (for health care and dependent care)

• Public Transportation Subsidy (funding contingent)

• Employee Assistance Program

• Federal Occupational Health (access to health clinic and services)

 Telework: This position requires on-site presence, both in the office and in the field, as necessary to meet the demands of the role. This is a full-time permanent on-site position with some remote work. The exact mix of in-person and remote work will depend on the needs of the Division, assignments that must be performed in person (e.g., probable cause and revocation hearings, client visits in detention facilities), and office space availability. For this position, it will be the social worker’ responsibility to ensure that any remote work they perform complies with the ethical and practice requirements of the remote jurisdiction.

Who May Apply:

This vacancy is open to US Citizens or those authorized to work in the United States.

How to Apply:

For consideration applicants must submit the required documents listed below. Failure to submit will result in an incomplete application. Please email the required documents in one PDF attachment. Multiple transcripts should also be uploaded to one document as well. 

• Cover letter and traditional résumé (with day telephone and email contact)

• A brief narrative statement addressing the above KSA’s. 

• Writing Sample

• Copy of college transcripts but must submit original copy prior to offer/employment

• Your most recent performance appraisal

• A list of three professional references with brief description on how each reference is able to attest to your skills/experience. Please include the name, email and telephone number and the relationship (i.e. Direct Supervisor, Indirect Supervisor, Mentor etc.)

Please send your application package in one combined PDF document; applications MUST be mailed to [email protected]. To ensure your application receives proper consideration, the subject line of your application email MUST include the job announcement number and the position title (i.e. PDS 2025-01: ORD Forensic Social Worker-2025).  All applicants’ materials become property of PDS and will not be returned.