Holistic Defense Advocate

NOTICE OF CHANGE:

This recruitment will remain open until filled.SALARY:

$69,212.00 - $82,989.92 Annually Bilingual allowance, when applicable.

POSITION:

We are currently accepting applications to fill

one vacancy

for the position of

Holistic Defense Advocate

(Social Service Worker, Senior job classification) in

Santa Barbara

for the

Public Defender’s Office.

The

Santa Barbara County Public Defender

represents people living in poverty and who have been traditionally marginalized from a holistic and client-centered perspective. We stand with our clients every day in many courtrooms across Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc. Standing with our clients includes applying the resources of lawyers, legal office professionals, investigators, social workers, IT professionals, and others to craft the best defenses and successful re-entry plans that elevate our clients’ needs. Public defenders in Santa Barbara County work every day with people living on the street, with a lack of appropriate services and a host of complex needs.

THE POSITION:

Under direction, this position supports individuals in many ways including housing, educational and family support, mental health linkage, substance use treatment, homelessness resourcing, safety planning, employment, treatment placement coordination, benefits navigation, and general support; and performs related duties as required.

Ideal Candidate will have:

Strong written advocacy skills.Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize work, and meet critical deadlines.Ability to multi-task, handle high-stress situations, thrive under pressure, and adapt to change.Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.Experience interviewing and assessing clients.Excellent communication skills which include the ability to exchange information in a clear, concise, and organized manner to diverse groups of people to help them understand process objectives and priorities.Ability to work successfully in a team environment, make positive contributions, and assist others as necessary.Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain sound working relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and personalities.Strong research and analytical skills.Adaptability, a positive attitude, and an impeccable character.Ability to maintain confidentiality.Bilingual ability strongly desired, but not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree including 30 semester or 45 quarter units of course work in social work, psychology, sociology, child development, or other behavioral sciences;

AND

two years of professional social work experience;

OR,Two years of experience performing duties comparable to a Social Service Worker with Santa Barbara County;

OR,A combination of training and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required.Independent travel, including transportation of client, within the County, throughout California, out of state, or country is required.Will be required to work outside normal business hours and be available on call.Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

Review applications and Supplemental Questionnaire

to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.Conditional Job Offer:

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE:

Open until filled. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com

Erin Kuhn, Employment Analyst II - erkuhn@countyofsb.org#J-18808-Ljbffr