Alternative Disposition Specialist - Forensic Social Worker

The Capital Area Private Defender Service (“CAPDS”) is a Managed Assigned Counsel program that handles the vast majority of indigent defense cases in Travis County. CAPDS uses a holistic defense model, placing the client at the center of the representation. We use a team-based interdisciplinary approach where mitigation specialists, experts, investigators, and immigration counsel collaborate with the defense attorney to obtain the best possible and least restrictive outcomes for clients. As a part of this system, CAPDS provides social services to clients who are facing criminal charges. We are looking for an alternative disposition specialist “specialist” to join our team. The perfect candidate is someone who is organized, has strong communication skills, is a self-starter, and enjoys working as a part of a team.

The specialist will be an integral member of the defense team and work in a social work capacity. They will work closely with attorneys and clients to identify physical or mental health impairments, substance use issues, family history, and medical concerns that will help shed light on the client's life and its impact on the case. Additionally, the specialist is expected to write formal mitigation reports, conduct assessments, and compile psychosocial histories for trial, sentencing, treatment, conditions of probation, diversion, etc. The specialist should have experience working in various settings (jail, hospitals, community, courts, office) with individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This role requires reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

​Job Duties:

Conduct client interviews, including psychosocial evaluations, diagnosis and treatment planning, and needs and risk assessment

Assess and clinically evaluate clients’ mental health history, presenting symptoms, and medication regime in accordance with DSM-5 criteria

Provide crisis intervention and employ de-escalation techniques for clients, both in jail and in the community

Collaborate with defense attorney in presenting mitigation to the prosecutor and judge in order to advocate for clients’ goals and obtain the best possible outcome on each case

Assist clients in connecting to appropriate mental health interventions and/or substance use treatment services while criminal charge is pending and thereafter, if applicable

Assist defense attorney in determining clients’ competency to stand trial by providing an initial competency screening; consult with psychologist or psychiatrist regarding clients’ mental status if competency evaluation is necessary

Develop recommendations for clients utilizing a strengths-based approach that helps divert clients from the criminal justice system into community-based programs that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism

Collaborate with community resource partners in the interest of our client population; advocate for client and program needs through various local committees

Maintain current knowledge regarding community resources and programs that serve client population, including eligibility requirements and limitations

Provide learning opportunities to criminal defense attorneys to expand their knowledge regarding mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and treatment options (especially those available in the local community)

Request review and analyze client records on a case-by-case basis

Identify the need for expert assistance; assist in locating appropriate experts

Consult with psychiatrists and other experts; provide diagnostic and social history information to experts to enable them to conduct competent and reliable evaluations

Render professional, formal opinions regarding a client’s mental health status in writing, as part of a biopsychosocial report, or in court testimony, or informally as a member of the defense team

Conduct trainings on the Holistic Defense Model, and best practices for forensic social work