/*To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials.*/** /* */** / /** *_Our Mission_*** To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution * * *_Our Vision_*** *Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes* /* */** *_Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:_* *Our work changes lives!* The work OPD does, makes a difference for the people in our communities. * *Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about OPD visit our website HERE.** ** *_Benefits of working for OPD:_* The ability to *work* and *play* in the *beautiful state of Montana* is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana, offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state. Other fantastic benefits include:** * *Health Coverage* * *Retirement plans* * *Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays* * *Work/life balance* * *Flexible schedules* * *Opportunities and room for professional growth*** * *Telework (when applicable)* * *Public Service Loan Forgiveness- *Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click HERE to learn more! *_Materials Required of Applicants: _** *** * *Cover Letter* * *Resume* * *References: */Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer./// * *Supplemental questions (if applicable)* *About this Opportunity!* * * *Job Overview:* * * * * The mission of the Office of the State Public Defender (OPD) is to provide effective professional legal services with equal access to quality client-centered representation.OPD isdevelopinga client stabilization services program to increase OPD’scapacityto provide formalized client services that havemeasurable standards and criteria.  This position will develop an agencywide plan that includes who receives services, how they receive those services,the role of AmeriCorps membersand social workerstudentsand licensure candidatesin providing those services, and an evaluation system that uses data todeterminewhatclientservices and positions are effective. The position will support and providedirectclinical supervisionto AmeriCorps members and social worker students and licensure candidates.  Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): Theessentialjob duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: 1. Develop Formalized Client Services Program(70%) * Develop a client support program to provide services to improve the social and psychological functioning of OPD clients and improve the client’s safety, well-being, andcapacityto successfully navigating the judicial system. * Research similar programs andidentifybest practices. * Gather information from OPD offices and clientstoidentifyandassess program and clientneeds, including interviewing clients and assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems todeterminewhat services arerequiredto meet their needs. * Identifymeasurable standards and criteria for who receivesclient supportservices from OPD. * Determinehow clients receivesuchservices. * Develop treatment or other social-service plans and forms. * Establish adatasystemand policies and guidelineswithin OPD tomaintainand reportclient support service requests,utilization,and outcomes. * Create an evaluation system that uses data todeterminewhat client services are effective. * Prepare reports, assessments, and policies toensure that client support programs are ofappropriate qualityand that resources are used effectively. * Provide training. * Work with OPD leadership and other program stakeholders toensure that OPD’s policies andobjectivesaremet. 1. Integrate AmeriCorps Members and Social Worker Studentsinto Client Services(25%) * Support AmeriCorps member recruitment, placement, training, orientation, ongoing coaching,and evaluation. * Recruit and supervisesocial workerpracticumstudentsandsocialworkerlicensure candidates. * Identifyand planhost sites within OPD where AmeriCorps membersand social worker studentsand licensure candidatescanbe placed. 1. OtherDuties asAssigned(5%) * Performs other duties related to client support services as assigned. Physical and Environmental Demands: This position works in an office or home-office setting with extensiveuse of electronic communicationand collaboration. Fluctuation of workload may require more than a 40-hour work week and requires occasional exposure to stressful situations. Position must be able to travel in and out of town approximately 20% of the time. Knowledge, Skills,and Abilities: This position requires: * Knowledge of Federal and Montana laws, regulations, and policies as they pertain to the position. * Knowledge of the Office of State Public Defender’s policies and procedures. * Knowledge of social work clinical and programmatic principles. * Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. * Highly effective written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. * Group leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics. * High computer and technology userproficiency, especially with Microsoft Office applications and with data systems. * Ability to work independently, set priorities, be organized, and take initiative. * Ability tomaintainconfidential information. * Ability to accurately tracknumerousdetails simultaneously. * Ability to perform tasks with accuracy while under pressure of strict deadlines. * Ability to gather and analyze data and makeappropriate recommendations. * Ability to work effectively in a team and share responsibilities and duties. * * Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires: * Master’s degree in social work * Two yearsofpost-Master’spractice experience insocial work Preferred: * Licensure as aLicensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) * Three yearsofpracticeexperience as a LCSW * Experience with the criminal or civil justice system **Title:** *Public Defender Client Stabilization Program Planner* **Location:** *Helena* **Requisition ID:** *25140093* **Other Locations:** *Billings, Missoula, Miles City, Kalispell, Havre, Glendive, Lewistown, Anaconda, Butte, Hamilton, Bozeman, Great Falls*