Social Work Assistant - Trumbull County

You will serve as a Social Work Assistant in the Trumbull County Office of our Trial Services Division. We provide client-centered representation to indigent clients facing criminal charges across the counties in Ohio. You will provide basic social services and collaborate as an integral part of a client's case team to help ensure holistic support throughout the legal process. You will assess client needs for community resource, make referrals, track client data, and also assist with identifying outpatient and intensive inpatient treatment for clients who would benefit from a more focused treatment program as part of their sentence. By addressing the client's emotional, psychological, and practical needs, you play a vital role in navigating legal challenges and reducing the likelihood of recidivism. You will work closely alongside attorneys and administrative staff in our Warren, Ohio office, and your work will include travel within the county.

A successful candidate will have passion for working with a large team and assisting people who are facing the challenges of poverty. The preferred candidate will have professional or volunteer experience helping to pursue a fair justice system and strong communication and organization skills.

This position has intermittent travel needs that may change month-to-month, based on business or client needs. The successful candidate will also be self-motivated and comfortable communicating via Teams or other conferencing software during those times.

The duties include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Perform basic assessment of clients' needs for medical, financial, and housing assistance and community resources.

Assess referred clients who are at moderate-high risk to reoffend and clients who have been judicially released and are on diversion or community control

Research available resources at government entities, faith and community-based organizations, and other service providers

Participate in planning of support systems for clients

Answer phone calls and forward calls to appropriate parties for response.

The Social Work Assistant position is assigned to the State of Ohio's SEIU / 1199 Pay Schedule, Pay Range 9, presented below in table format. Starting pay will be at Step 1 unless required by contract / legislation; candidates with exceptional qualifications may be considered for higher starting pay. Our steps give a standard path for earnings growth; you move to the next step after completion of one hundred and eighty (180) days and annually thereafter. We typically have fiscal year Cost of Living Adjustments as well. Note : In the event a candidate demonstrates exceptional qualifications above minimum, they may qualify for a starting salary above Step 1.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Hourly $24.69 $25.69 $26.68 $27.78 $29.08 $30.43 Annually $51,355 $53,435 $55,494 $57,782 $60,486 $63,294

The Office of the Ohio Public Defender complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the OPD HCM Department, at 614-466-5394 or HCM@opd.ohio.gov .

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees

Qualifications

Requires current registration as Social Work Assistant as issued by State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage & Family Therapist Board in accordance with ORC 4757.29.

Preferred Qualification : 1+ years of relevant experience.

Job Skills : Building Trust, Critical Thinking, Establishing Relationships, Interviewing, Mental Health, Situational Awareness, Social Services