Position:
MDI seeks applications from social workers and case managers passionate about promoting services and providing advocacy to our clients. This position is supported by the Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program. MCJRP is a collaborative effort to improve the assessment of adults facing criminal charges in Multnomah County and provide them a continuum of community-based services as an alternative to prison. This combination of early assessment and intervention is provided to reduce recidivism. This is a grant-funded position for the 2023-2025 biennium. MDI will pursue further funding supporting a holistic approach to our defense services in order to staff a full-time social worker/case manager beyond the current biennium.
Responsibilities:
-Conduct interviews and needs assessments with clients eligible for MCJRP
-Work closely with attorneys and engage in advocacy on behalf of clients, and create individualized alternative-sentencing plans that show how clients’ needs are better served in the community than in jail or prison
-Develop community-based treatment plans for criminal defendants, as well as supporting efforts towards increased housing, health, and relationship and financial stability
-Collaborate with other agencies to ensure that appropriate services are provided to clients
-Practice tools and concepts such as motivational interviewing, assertive engagement, trauma informed care, biopsychosocial assessments, holistic-based service, and harm reduction
-Potentially participate in meetings, trainings, and reporting with justice system stakeholders
-Maintain accurate, complete, and legible files and maintain up-to-date notes in our office-wide case management software
-May require travel, court appearances, and visits to jail facilities
Compensation:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance provided. Generous sick time, vacation time, and annual merit-based reviews with raises also provided. Position includes free access to an on-site gym with views of the Willamette River. Salary starting at $46,901.53 and increases depending on experience. A Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) is provided. All employees receive 10 paid holidays a year, plus 2 floating holidays. This position is part of a bargaining unit. MDI is a supportive and progressive work environment with a passionate workforce dedicated to our mission.
About the Firm:
Multnomah Defenders, Inc. (MDI) is a non-profit public interest law firm established in 1982. Our mission is to provide high-quality representation to our clients and to treat every client with dignity and respect. MDI operates with a staff of 70 people, including attorneys, trial assistants, and investigators. MDI lawyers defend adults and juveniles in courts of Oregon in criminal, juvenile, contempt and appellate matters.
MDI is committed to fostering a workplace culture inclusive of people with respect to their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, marital status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs or other characteristics. We encourage you to apply if you identify as part of a marginalized or underrepresented group.
Qualifications:
-Empathy and experience working with the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated; commitment to working specifically with public defender clients
-Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-responsive services to diverse client population
-Competency in data management programs, Microsoft Word, Outlook, and basic office equipment
-Familiarity with Multnomah County based social service resources
-For social worker applications only, a MSW degree from a college/university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education is preferred
-For social worker applications only, licensing as an LCSW in the State of Oregon or working towards LCSW preferred
How to Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]