Social Work Manager jobs in New Orleans, LA

OPD is seeking a a Mental Health Social Work Case Manager for its Mental Health Unit.

OPD’s Municipal Mental Health Unit (MHU) provides intensive, individualized and holistic representation to clients with Serious Mental Illness and other mental health challenges facing misdemeanor and felony charges. MHU provides ethical client-centered representation and, through individualized treatment plans, advocates for clients to be treated in medical facilities rather than jail.

The Mental Health Social Work Case Manager (SWCM) is part of OPD’s client-centered representation offering holistic legal and social services to our clients and working for fair, community-oriented, legal outcomes for our clients. In an effort to address the rise in chronic mental health issues faced by our clients and community, the Social Work Case Manager will work to reduce the reliance on incarceration as a means for treatment and instead work to support and improve advocacy for clients throughout the case process, thus increasing success upon release.

The Mental Health SWCM will collaborate closely with the defense team, and particularly the Mental Health Unit attorney, to identify clients in need and develop highly individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans based on the specific needs of each client. This includes, but is not limited to, gathering medical records, documenting personal/familial mental health histories and working with jail care and other mental health providers to promptly ensure our clients receive the necessary treatment. The SWCM will help identify causes and symptoms related to their diagnosis and work to connect clients to appropriate service providers and ensure they receive the necessary treatment, care, and services.

The Mental Health SWCM is part of OPD’s Mental Health Unit. The SWCM will work closely with the Mental Health Unit attorney for many of their assigned cases. The number of clients at OPD with mental health diagnoses or symptoms is several hundred a year, and all will fall under the larger purview of the Mental Health unit. However, realistically, the Mental Health SWCM will have an active caseload of about 30 clients at a time.

The caseload for the Mental Health SWCM will include three main groups of clients:

These clients may have cases at Criminal Court, Municipal Court, or Juvenile Court.

The Mental Health SWCM will also be available for emergency situations that arise. For example, if a client presents at the office in distress due to active symptoms of a mental illness, the Mental Health SWCM may be called to evaluate and resolve the crisis, even the client is not a part of her active caseload.

Qualifications: Applicants are required to possess a LMSW certification in Louisiana; a LCSW certification in Louisiana (or licensure in progress) preferred. Applicants must have experience working with people with mental illness from diverse cultural, racial and socio-ethnic backgrounds, and commitment to improving the lives of people suffering from mental illness. Other qualifications include the ability to remain organized and prioritize assignments and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients and various groups, colleagues, staff and members of the mental health community. The ideal applicant will demonstrate comfort working in a high-volume, fast-paced legal environment, multi-tasking many different responsibilities, and managing multiple clients. Applicants will be able to work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.

To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants must submit all of the following to be considered for this position: cover letter explaining your interest in the position and highlighting the experience and qualifications that make you a match for this opportunity, resume, and three references. Application deadline is Friday, February 23, 2024 at 5pm CST. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

This is a full-time, position with competitive salary and benefits. Minimum salary is $50,000, with starting salary commesurate with experience and skills. Compensation includes employer paid employee medical, dental and vision coverage, employer matching contribution to Retirement Plan, and generous paid, sick and parental leave.

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.

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.