PURPOSE
Assist Attorneys to provide all clients robust court representation and develop the evidence necessary for parent defense and family reunification. Advocate for needed client services and facilitate client connection to those supportive services. A Social Worker is a critical contributor to a multi-disciplinary legal team approach to dependency court cases. Support Attorneys through clear communication, collaboration, and client coordination to meet court requirements and deadlines.
A cover letter and resume are required. Both must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Maintain professional, courteous, and open communications with service professionals, external agencies, and government personnel related to each case.
- Attend case-related meetings, including but not limited to Individual Education Plan (IEP), Regional Center for Developmentally Disabled (Regional Center), Child & Family Team (DCFS-CFT), medical, and hospital screenings, and provide parent support and detailed observation, evaluation, and reports.
- Identify services in the client's neighborhood or location as required and provide contact references to the client, evaluate program effectiveness, and make recommendations to the Attorney regarding continuation, additional, or alternative services for the client.
- Communicate and coordinate services and in the client case plan, and promptly identify and report any challenges or barriers to compliance.
- Document detailed observations of parents' domestic situation and observe client visitations where needed.
- Contact, communicate, and confirm with the client mandated and voluntary services in progress, and provide recommendations to the attorney for presentation to the court.
- Subpoena medical, legal, and other documents pertaining to the client’s case.
- Work with the attorney to prepare evidence for court on issues of placement, visitation, family reunification services, and case plan compliance.
- Assist with the preparation of initial hearing documents and conduct client interviews.
- Provide written reports in data management systems.
- Meet deadlines and maintain recordkeeping, including, but not limited to, timekeeping, case file records, and data management system entries.
- Record and submit administrative records, including time and attendance, mileage, expense reimbursement, and other records or documentation as required.
- As directed, interview potential witnesses.
- Be prepared to provide court testimony and present evidence.
- Maintain proper record keeping, including timekeeping, case file records, JCATS entries and administrative records including time and attendance, mileage, expense reimbursement, and other records.
- Experience with interviewing and utilizing investigating techniques in a non-judgmental method.
- Laws, regulations, and court procedures related to juvenile dependency matters.
- Understanding of principles of human behavior and family dynamics.
- Child development and adolescence, parenting techniques, substance abuse causes and treatment of child abuse and family violence, and the effects of abuse on children.
- Needs of individuals from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
- Community and court resources and organizations.
- Good understanding of and commitment to racial equality.
- Experience testifying as a witness or excellent witness potential.
- Compile, analyze, and evaluate information to draw logical conclusions and make sound recommendations to attorneys.
- Collaborate with attorneys in the preparation of cases in a law office setting.
- Prepare clear, accurate, and detailed written reports.
- Communicate effectively and diplomatically in dealing with clients.
- Spanish fluency a plus.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Models a strong work ethic with a team player mindset that is open to feedback and constructive criticism.
- Conveys a positive attitude that provides leadership and problem-solving within the position to meet challenges.
- Ability to accomplish organizational goals and tasks within the time assigned to meet management requirements.
- Fosters coordination and collaboration with good conflict resolution
- Exhibits active listening skills when working with management and staff, and that is non-judgmental of client needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education, training, and experience demonstrate possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the above-referenced functions. Examples of qualifying education and experience are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with at least 24 units in the social or behavioral sciences.
Solid experience in an internship or valid organizational volunteer program performing juvenile dependency investigation and/or casework services in a social services agency, law office, child advocacy program or other agency providing service to children and families is required.
SPECIAL NOTES, LICENSES, OR REQUIREMENTS
Verification that the applicant has their own vehicle. The employee must have active and up-to-date insurance, which must be presented on demand. A valid California class C driver’s license, which must be maintained throughout employment, is required at the time of appointment for field travel. Employees in this class may be required to use their own vehicle.
US Work Authorization and Verification:
Must supply I-9 documentation for eligibility verification.
Working Conditions
Required to work throughout Los Angeles County, including high-crime and potentially dangerous areas. Required to interview and subpoena potentially aggressive clients and witnesses.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
Physical activities include, but are not limited to, on a continuous basis: sitting at a desk and use of video monitor, standing for a short period of time in court or offices, repetitive motion and typing when using computer keyboard. Communicate through use of keyboard and written means and talking with staff and clients on the telephone. Ability to communicate effectively in person and by telephone. Intermittent twisting and reaching with some bending, stooping, or squatting, and lift up to 25 pounds. Considerable ambulation may be involved.
This job description is not intended to be a contract of employment and may be revised at any time. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship, which means that either the employee or LADL may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause, in compliance with applicable law.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of normal responsibilities from time to time as needed or as logical assignment for the position.