Staff Social Worker presso Orleans Public Defenders

Orleans Public Defenders is seeking a Full-time Staff Social Worker for its Client Services Division. 

OPD provides holistic, community-based representation for low income New Orleanians in Criminal District, Juvenile and Municipal Court in Orleans Parish. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered defense model that puts the client first and takes a 360° approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; social workers; client, youth and parent advocates; investigators, and administrators all working together for equal justice for our clients, their families, our community, and a more just New Orleans. In short, we protect innocence, defend the constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable.

The Staff Social Worker will be part of OPD’s Client Services Division (CSD), which provides critical and necessary social services to our low-income clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. CSD’s client advocates and social workers advocate for alternatives to incarceration and utilizes individualized mitigation to reduce the reliance on jail and divert our clients to more appropriate social services and treatment.

Job Summary: 

Many OPD clients become involved in the criminal legal system due to poverty, homelessness, addiction, un/under-treated mental health issues, and/or neglect and abuse. The Staff Social Worker will work to identify the root causes of system interaction and develop highly individualized defense and case plans.

The Staff Social Worker will collaborate closely with attorneys to provide psycho-social assessments in order to identify areas of need, necessary treatment and services from arrest to sentencing. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: evaluations, ensuring client receives appropriate in-custody or out of custody care for all medical and mental health issues, assisting attorneys with building competency and NGRI cases, recommendations for alternatives to incarceration; preparing thorough and extensive mitigation reports that includes family, educational, social, health and mental health histories of client and family; connecting clients to treatment programs and social services; and fostering and maintaining collaborative partnerships with governmental and nonprofit agencies providing mental health, housing, addiction, and social services.

The Staff Social Worker may also be asked to train staff on topics such as identifying and understanding basic mental health conditions, supervise MSW interns and provide task supervision to other CSD team members, as well as provide case consultation to attorneys and CSD team members. When necessary, the Social Worker will aid the CSD Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor and coordinate additional projects to support the division.

Qualifications: 

Ideal candidates must have a master’s degree in Social Work, LMSW or LCSW preferred, at least one year of practical experience, and appropriate licensure or eligibility in Louisiana. Candidates must be interested in working with underserved and marginalized communities from diverse cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds. This position requires knowledge of chronic mental health illnesses, the criminal legal system including court proceedings, as well as familiarity with community programs, particularly mental health service providers, and their eligibility requirements. Experience gathering medical and other records is required along with client interviewing experience and applicable techniques.

Other qualifications include familiarity and experience utilizing the DSM 5, the ability to remain organized and prioritize assignments and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various socio-economic groups, fellow staff and members of the criminal justice community. Candidates must have the ability to work independently as well as in a team-driven environment, have competent computer skills, including ability to master case management software and other programs.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, position with a competitive salary and benefits. The minimum salary is $55,000, with starting salary commensurate with experience and skills. 

OPD also offers a generous benefit package that BEGINS ON YOUR FIRST DAY.  It includes:

• 100% Employer paid MEDICAL, DENTAL, and VISION coverages for employee.
• 100% Employer paid Life and AD&D coverage.
• Supplemental Life and AD&D coverage (Employee/Spouse/Dependents)
• Employer Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (3% of salary) AND
• Employer Matching Contribution to 401-A Retirement Plan (up to an additional 3% of salary)
• Employee Discount Program (at no cost)
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks)
• Paid Vacation / Sick /Bereavement Leave
• Federal/State/Orleans Criminal District Court Holiday schedules observed

To Apply: 

Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following by Friday, October 3, 2025, 11:59 pm CST to be considered for this position: 

1. Cover letter explaining your interest in the position

2. Resume  

3. Writing sample

4. Three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls. Applications are being considered on a rolling basis until position is filled.  

OPD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

Orleans Public Defenders is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of our hiring process.  If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources, 504-821-8101

The Orleans Public Defenders provide representation to indigent criminal defendants in Orleans Parish. OPD’s mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community. OPD is committed to excellence in the provision of legal services for indigent defendants and client-centered representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal justice system.