Initial Posting Date:
03/16/2026Application Deadline:
03/26/2026Agency:
Oregon Public Defense CommissionSalary Range:
$4,848 - $7,163Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Case ManagerJob Description:
The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is seeking a dedicated and collaborative Case Manager to support individuals accused of crimes by coordinating services, developing individualized release plans, and connecting clients with critical community resources. In this role, you will work closely with clients, attorneys, families, and community partners to assess needs; secure supports such as housing, treatment, and transportation; and help clients prepare for a successful transition from custody. The position also supports defense advocacy by gathering records and preparing mitigation materials, maintaining accurate case documentation, and coordinating with service providers and partner agencies. As a key liaison between clients, attorneys, families, and stakeholders, the Case Manager helps ensure clear communication, timely access to services, and continuity of support before and after release. If you are organized, compassionate, and motivated to help people successfully navigate complex systems and access meaningful support, we encourage you to apply.
Position: Case Manager (Human Services Case Manager)
This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified applicants to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
This is a hybrid position
Location: Portland, Oregon
Salary Range: $4,848 - $7,162
What’s in it for you
You will be a part of an innovative and strategic group of professionals and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package!
OPDC supports and encourages work/life balance and overall wellness and offers a generous benefits package including, employer-paid health insurance, vacation, and sick leave, eleven paid holidays, three paid personal days, flexible spending accounts, and an employer contribution retirement plan (PERS). The posted salary range is the total possible monthly range for the classification. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6%.
Advancement and learning opportunities that will help you grow your career.
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Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science, or a closely related field; OR
A bachelor's degree in any field AND one (1) year of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, inadequate housing), OR
An associate degree in a Behavioral Science, Social Science or a closely related field AND two (2) years of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, inadequate housing), OR
Three (3) years of human services related experience (i.e., work providing assistance to individuals and groups with issues such as economically disadvantaged, employment, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, aging, disabilities, prevention, health, cultural competencies, inadequate housing).
What you will do
This position works under the direction of an attorney to support client release planning, mitigation development, and connection to community resources. The Case Manager gathers and documents information through client interviews, records review, and communication with families, service providers, and partner agencies to assess needs, develop individualized release plans, and coordinate supportive services. The position maintains accurate case documentation, facilitates communication among clients, attorneys, and stakeholders, and assists the defense team by organizing and preparing mitigation information, while not providing legal advice.
Application Guidance & Requirements:
REQUIRED: Attach your most up-to-date resume. Please ensure your Workday profile aligns with your submission.
REQUIRED: Attach a cover letter that details how you meet the desired attributes for this position. You cover letter should be no more than 2 pages. (A cover letter that does not meet the required criteria will be graded as ineligible.)
**APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT PROVIDE THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE RECRUITMENT**
Duties
Client Assessment and Release Planning
Conduct interviews with clients to assess needs, explain release expectations, and gather information necessary to develop individualized release plans. Identify barriers to successful release and coordinate arrangements for housing, treatment, transportation, medications, and other supports. Document release planning activities and maintain accurate case information in relevant databases.
Mitigation and Case Support
Gather and review records relevant to mitigation, including medical, educational, and other background materials. Prepare mitigation letters and reports and assist in collecting support letters from family members and other individuals involved in the client’s support network. Provide organized information and documentation to attorneys to support case preparation and advocacy.
Resource Coordination and Stakeholder Communication
Develop and maintain working relationships with community service providers and public agencies to identify and secure appropriate client resources. Facilitate communication among clients, attorneys, families, and partner organizations regarding release planning and support needs. Respond to client and stakeholder inquiries and coordinate information sharing to support continuity of services before and after release.
The Top 9 Desired Attributes for this Role
1. Assessment and Interviewing Skills: Ability to effectively interview clients and gather information to evaluate needs, identify barriers, and develop appropriate release plans.
2. Strong Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally communicate with clients, families, attorneys, service providers, and internal staff in interviews, documentation, and coordination.
3. Organizational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize tasks, track deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation in case management systems.
4. Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness: Ability to identify practical solutions and secure appropriate resources such as housing, treatment programs, transportation, and other community supports.
5. Collaboration and Relationship Building: Ability to work effectively with attorneys, staff, community providers, and partner agencies to coordinate services and support client outcomes.
6. Empathy and Client-Centered Approach: Ability to work respectfully and compassionately with individuals in custody and their families while supporting client dignity and successful reentry planning.
7. Professional Judgment and Discretion: Ability to handle confidential information responsibly and exercise sound judgment when communicating with clients, families, and external partners.
8. Attention to Detail and Accountability: Ability to maintain accurate records, complete required forms and documentation, and reliably follow through on responsibilities.
9. Adaptability and Initiative: Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, manage unexpected client needs, and contribute to improving processes and service coordination.
Who we are.
The Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC) is an agency governed by a 13-member commission appointed by the Governor, which serves as the governing body for Oregon’s public defense system. The Commission provides policy direction and oversight for the administration of the system. Through this work, OPDC safeguards the constitutional right to counsel and upholds a critical element of Oregon’s justice and public safety systems.
The mission of OPDC is to continually enhance the statewide public defense system to deliver highly skilled, independent, timely, and client-focused representation to eligible persons.
The Trial Division is composed of public defenders who provide court-appointed legal representation and advocacy at the trial level to indigent clients who are charged with criminal offenses in the circuit courts in the State of Oregon. Trial Division staff represent clients from arraignment through sentencing, with occasional preindictment representations. Case types include murder prosecutions, serious sexual offenses, lesser and major felonies, misdemeanors, contempt filings, occasionally initial commitment proceedings, and hearings related to those matters (e.g., DMV hearings, Protective Order hearings, etc.).
The Northwest Regional Trial Division, a subdivision of the Trial Division based in Portland and Oregon City, accepts appointments in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties, and occasionally in other counties in Oregon.
Recruitment Timeline
*These dates are approximate and may change. *
Recruitment Closes: Thursday, 03/26/2026 @ 11:59P
Recruiter Screening for Minimum Qualifications: On-going
Hiring Manager Screening for Desired Attributes: On-going
First-Round Interviews: Week of March 30th,
Potential Start Date for New Hire: TBD
Additional Details
The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project.
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
Eligible veterans, disabled veterans, and current/former servicemembers of the Oregon National Guard who meet the qualifications are eligible for Candidate Preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
OPDC does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.
The Oregon Public Defense Commission is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Fair Chance employer and encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, justice impacted and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.