Case Manager

Salary : $54,870.40 - $98,612.80 Annually
Location : Santa Fe, NM
Job Type: Career Appointment, Full-Time
Job Number: 10117141
Unit: Social Worker Program
Division: Social Workers Program
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Mountain


Objectives Summary
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.

Essential Functions

Click HERE to review a complete job description and the essential functions of this classification.

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;
B enefits We Offer:

The Law Offices of the Public Defender offers a competitive benefits package that includes 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 and so much more! To see all benefits offered by the State of New Mexico, .

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. Applicants selected for a position are encouraged to discuss these options with the hiring manager early in the hiring process to ensure the specifics of any terms and conditions of an approved flexible work arrangement are clearly understood.
Employees who complete their probationary period are eligible for two hours of paid Wellness Leave every week and 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.

Minimum Qualifications
• 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.
Employment Requirements
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.

This job advertisement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Preference may be given to multilingual applicants fluent in English and other languages.
The State's General Services Department Risk Management Division, Employee Benefits Bureau (EBB), is responsible for the procurement and oversight of employee benefits - including Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance. The State's Group Benefits Plan also offers COBRA, Flexible Spending Account Programs, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Erisa Administrative Services, Inc. (Erisa) is the State's Third Party Administrator. They provide benefits administration to all plan participants, and offer knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. To learn more about the benefits available please


In addition to the benefits listed above, the Law Offices of The Public Defender offers a retirement plan and a medical program for retirees. For more information regarding the plan you can visit the following websites:
Total Compensation Package


As an employee of the Law Offices of the Public Defender (LOPD), you receive regular pay for your services. The other part of your total compensation is the value of the benefits LOPD makes available to you and, if applicable, your family. The Total Compensation Estimator is for illustrative purposes only and provides benefits-eligible employees an estimate of their total compensation based on selected options from the drop-downs in the estimator.

• Please to download the Total Compensation Estimator on our , Join Our Team section.

This estimator is not a legal document. All benefits are governed by the actual benefit plans, which have precedence over the information reported in this calculator. Rates are not guaranteed and may change annually based on legislative decisions. If you have any questions about this estimator, don't hesitate to get in touch with Human Resources at
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Please contact for questions.
01


Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed. If you have responded that you have an education higher than a high school diploma or GED, you must attach a copy of your official/unofficial transcript(s) that clearly state the type of degree and date awarded/conferred, institution name, and applicant name and is in a format that cannot be modified.

• Doctorate
• Master's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Associates Degree or Technical/Vocational Certificate
• High School Diploma or GED
• Less than a High School Diploma or GED

02


How many total years of experience do you have documented in the Work Experience section of your application related to this Job Classification?Please NOTE: If the years of experience that you indicate below cannot be found in the Work Experience section of this application, your application may not be eligible for further consideration. It is recommended that you attach documents that support your work experience at this time. If you are attempting to attach documents, but are unable to, you should email View email address on click.appcast.io, with the documents and your contact information. Or if selected for an interview, you should bring the documents to your interview.

• 10 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 2years of experience
• 1 year of experience
• 6 Months
• 3 Months
• None

03


Case Manager
How many years of experience do you have in mental health?

• Fifteen years or more (15+)
• Eight to fourteen years (8-14)
• Four to seven years (4-7)
• Two to three years (2-3)
• One to two years (1-2)
• No experience

04


Case Manager
Do you have experience in social services that involved working with people in correctional facilities?

• Yes
• No

05


How many years of experience do you possess testifying in court as part of your regular job?

• More than ten years (10+)
• Seven to nine years (7-9)
• Four to six years (4-6)
• Two to three years (2-3)
• One year (1)
• Less than 1 years (0-1)

06


How many years of experience do you have in substance abuse counseling?

• Fifteen years or more
• Eight to fourteen
• Four to seven years
• Two to three years
• One to two years (1-2)
• No experience

07


Case Manager
Do you have experience conducting comprehensive assessments to determine client deficits in psycho-social and health areas?

• Yes
• No

08


Do you have experience in developing and implementing service plans?

• Yes
• No

09


Do you have experience in administering service plans and coordinating referrals and resources?

• Yes
• No

10


Do you have experience maintaining accurate, up-to-date and complete records?

• Yes
• No

11


Case Manager
Please describe your critical thinking, problem solving, and advocacy skills.
12


Social Work
Do you have experience in finding alternative placements to incarceration?

• Yes
• No

13


Briefly describe when and how you obtained this experience. Please note if you answered "No" to the previous question, type "n/a" as your response to this question.
14


Travel
I understand that this position requires frequent travel throughout the State of New Mexico, which often involves overnight stays for multiple days. This is a necessary component of this position.

• I understand.

15


I understand that I will be expected to visit clients and families at their place of residence, jails, treatment centers or any other location deemed necessary by the LOPD.

• I understand

16


For current State of New Mexico employees: I understand that the Law Offices of the Public Defender will only accept up to 40 hours of annual leave and all sick leave. Furthermore, upon transfer, I will begin a new probationary period regardless of a break in service from my current state agency.

• I Understand

17


I understand that my responses to the questions regarding years of experience and education will be confirmed. I have included my related work experience in the Work Experience Section of my application with a detailed description of my related duties. If I am attempting to attach documents, but unable to, I should email View email address on click.appcast.io., with the documents and my contact information. Or if selected for an interview, I may bring the documents to my interview.

• I Understand

18


Please choose the level that best describes your fluency in any language(s) other than English. I understand that I may be asked to certify my language proficiency upon hire and that I may be required to provide translation services if selected for this job.

• Advanced
• Intermediate
• Beginner
• Not Familiar

19


If you chose Beginner or above in the previous question, please identify in the text box what language(s) you are fluent in. Note: If you selected Not Familiar in the previous question please write, N/A in the text box below.
Required Question