Public Defender Social Worker

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.

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CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Public Defender Social Worker

SALARY:

$66,559.45 - $86,089.08

DEPARTMENT:

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date:

01/16/2026

Closing Date:

02/02/2026 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under supervision of the Public Defender, this position provides a holistic approach to social work for clients in the legal system. This includes assessing social, emotional, and practical needs like substance abuse, mental health, housing, and employment. Responsible for collaborating with legal counsel, connecting clients with vital community resources for treatment, support, and opportunity while guiding clients through the legal process and maintaining detailed case records to track progress and goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conducts client interviews and assessments, including meeting clients who may be incarcerated.

Partners with clients, providing counseling, education, support and advocacy.

Obtains and verifies background information.

Gathers mitigating information through diverse sources, including interviews, healthcare providers, employers, and record reviews.

Collaborates with defense teams to develop evidence-based advocacy for reduced sentences or alternative options.

Maintains case files and manages a diverse caseload.

Drafts advocacy documents to secure the best possible outcomes for clients.

Establishes and maintains relationships with community agencies and referral partners.

Guides clients by navigating the criminal justice system and securing appropriate referrals for assessment, treatment, housing, employment, and other critical support services.

Mentors and supports social worker interns, fellows, and externs, providing comprehensive training and promoting self-care resources.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (Limited Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker [LLBSW] or Licensed Bachelor's Social Worker [LBSW]) from an accredited college or university
• One (1) year providing social worker services to clients

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university
• Previous social work experience with individuals involved in the criminal justice system
• Experience with the mental health system

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work to practice as a Social Worker
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES:

Knowledge of:

• Social work principles and practices
• Constitutional rights of clients
• HIPAA and other related laws and County policies

Skill in:

• Prioritization and organization
• Word, Excel, Google products
• Performing data entry in a multiple software applications
• Building and maintaining interpersonal relationships

Ability to:

• Present complex information with clarity and inclusivity
• Build and maintain relationships with a diverse population
• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: N/S

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): O

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging:  N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another (covered by the items below):

*List only the ones that apply*

Up to 10 pounds: O

Up to 50 pounds: O

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations. 

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION –This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.