Case Manager

The Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) is recruiting a Case Manager to work in Santa Fe. The primary location for this position is Santa Fe; however, assignments may be in Taos and Rio Arriba counties as needed. Our organization and mission: As the state’s largest law firm, the Law Offices of the Public Defender represents low-income people facing criminal charges in New Mexico. With dedicated teams of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals, and office support, we guard individuals from injustice and work to address the underlying issues that bring clients into the criminal court system. In addition to representing individuals in criminal cases, we also advocate in our state legislature to protect the constitutional rights of all New Mexicans. Be the Difference Beyond the Courtroom Are you interested in helping support clients through resource coordination, alternative sentencing plans, and compassionate advocacy as a team member of the Law Offices of the Public Defender's Social Work Unit? This Case Manager position could be for you! Primary Functions: Case Managers assist Social Workers and Attorneys, who represent clients faced with criminal charges in New Mexico, in addressing the client's circumstances and providing alternatives to retribution in the criminal-legal system. Case Managers assist in developing service and alternative sentencing plans in order to address life situations, which, if mitigated, support the client in having the best possible chance to be successful in their community. Case Managers identify resources and referral options relevant to the needs of the clients served by the Social Work Unit. This classification may be required to report to a judicial partner’s building or office. Which may include Courthouses, District Attorney Offices, Detention Centers and/or Correctional Facilities. To perform the essential functions an incumbent in this classification may be required to successfully complete a 3rd party background check conducted by a judicial partner. Knowledge Of: Computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting; including the ability to work with databases and case management software Knowledge of local and statewide resources and services that will benefit clients specifically, substance use, mental health, housing; Attention to detail and organization skills Ability to perform well under the pressure, have excellent time management and effective prioritization; of multiple deadlines; Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point); and databases in a Windows environment, and other standard office equipment; Working knowledge and adherence to strict confidentiality standards, including those required by the LOPD, State and Federal statutes Impacts of disenfranchisement and marginalization (race, class, gender and gender identity, ability (including mental health), sexual orientation) of individuals caught in the criminal legal system Integrity, client confidentiality; Providing services and collegial interaction reflective of a working knowledge of holistic defense and trauma responsive service provision; Refer clients to community resources and treatment. Submit applications to substance abuse programs, housing, and mental health services noting acceptance/denials, utilizing agency prescribed databases for effective tracking; The NASW Code of Ethics as it pertains to case management; Trauma informed and responsive practices; Proficiency in writing, editing, and proofreading; including coherence, grammar, punctuation, structure, spelling, tone, clarity, and organization; Skills We Seek: Analytical Analyzing processes and making recommendations for improvement; Analyzing the applicability of emerging trends and/or services used by the Social Work Unit; Critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex information; Identifying therapeutic, educational, vocational, social, and other resources to meet client, family, community, and justice system needs; Relationships Ability to interface with all individuals in a courteous and respectful manner, and project positive support of all agency departments at all times; Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism; Working effectively with diverse educational, personal, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of the LOPD and community partners; Public Speaking; Excellent verbal communication skills, including listening skills; Self-Management Working alone or with others with or without explicit directions, and without close supervision Motivation; Strong work ethic; Flexibility and ability to change plans with little notice; Tracking clients progress until completion of the case; Benefits We Offer: PERA retirement with employer contributions effective your first day sick and annual leave accruals 11 paid holidays paid Bereavement Leave flexible schedules which includes the option of teleworking After successfully completing a one year probationary period our department offers flexible work opportunities, including teleworking (a.k.a. working from home) and work schedules outside the typical 8 am to 5 pm schedule. Employees who complete their probationary period are eligible for two hours of paid Wellness Leave every week and 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave. Requirements: Associates degree in Human Services or Social Sciences and two (2) years of experience in mental health and/or substance abuse counseling. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Must have a driver’s license and be able to certify in Defensive Driving. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's License. Employment eligibility to work with the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD) in the U.S. is required. We are not able to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Collective Bargaining: This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to. Default FLSA: Non-exempt: In accordance with DOL FLSA and LOPD NMAC and LOPD’s Compensation Agreement that is signed upon hire during onboarding classifications identified as non‑exempt may be compensated for all authorized hours (subject to approval from a supervisor) worked over 40 hours in a work week (begins on Saturday). These classifications may decline overtime. LOPD compensates with compensatory time (paid time off accrued) at a 1.5x rate in lieu of cash payments, if they request to work extra hours in advance and get approval from their supervisor. These classifications are not eligible for cash payments for extra hours worked. Compensatory time may be paid out upon leaving the department depending on budget availability. The Law Offices of the Public Defender is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis on race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, political affiliation or religion, mental or physical disability, or serious medical condition. Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages. #J-18808-Ljbffr