SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary range $55,000.00-$65,000.00 commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, sick time, life insurance, dental, vision, medical, parental leave, and retirement 401(k). Employees are not eligible for participation in the OPERS retirement system, but qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. This is an exempt, at-will position. The outside practice of social work/counseling is not permitted.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Maintain regular communication with clients and attend court hearings as needed. Work collaboratively with clients, lawyers, parent advocates, SCCS case workers, and outside agencies. Obtain necessary records to aid in the successful representation of the client. Assess and evaluate client's needs and case plan compliance and make referrals to service providers as needed. Attend and advocate for clients at SCCS Family Team Meetings and Semi-Annual Reviews. Create and maintain mitigation timelines and records for juveniles. Develop comprehensive release and rehabilitation plans for juveniles. Perform interviews with juveniles, family, friends, and community members for mitigation. Provide emotional support for clients. Assist attorneys in communication with clients experiencing unique challenges such as developmental. delays, complex trauma, severe mental health issues. Participate in trainings within and outside the office. Attend community events/meetings related to the work of Summit Legal Defenders. Other duties as assigned related to both delinquency and parental.
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, social work, psychology, or a closely related field. Minimum one year's experience in the field of social services. Ohio licensed social worker is highly preferred. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities. Demonstrate an understanding of the issues of race, poverty, mental health, and substance abuse as they relate to parent and youth's experience of the legal system. Knowledge of Summit County resources preferred. Commitment to social justice and an unwavering belief in the right to representation for defendants. Experience with documentation, note taking, and report writing. Proficiency in MS Office applications, remote meeting software platforms, and use of online case management systems. Local travel between courthouses and our main office is necessary therefore reliable transportation/driver's license required. APPLICATION Cover letter addressing your interests and experience. Resume. Name, relationship, and contact information for three professional references. The Summit Legal Defenders' mission is to treat every client as an individual, not the sum of their charges. We envision our work within the context of social justice and the opportunity for growth and change. Our attorneys work to offer solutions to problems and navigate the criminal justice system in partnership with the client. Our goal is to provide high-quality legal service to the indigent population of Summit County in a respectful, diligent, and responsive manner. We are a non-profit agency established in 1974 with our main office in downtown Akron, Ohio, led by Director Andrea Whitaker. For more information, please visit our website.
