Job Posting: Social Services Specialist

Office of the State Public Defender

JC-456650
-
Social Services Specialist
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I

$6,963.00 - $8,650.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

The Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) is currently seeking a Staff Services Manager I (Specialist) to serve as the Indigent Defense Improvement Division's, Social Services Specialist. IDID provides training and technical assistance to public defense offices and individual defenders to support and uplift the quality of indigent defense statewide. The IDID Social Services Specialist will work closely with the IDID training team to create and present training, develop materials, and cultivate service provider connections for defenders across California representing respondents in Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court. The role will include direct consultation and technical assistance to defense offices and individual attorneys providing CARE Court representation, as well as larger resource and network development to assist with client-centered, holistic defense efforts statewide. This position offers an opportunity to work systemically to improve outcomes for CARE Court respondents and other justice involved individuals by improving the resources, connections, and effectiveness of CARE Court counsel across California.

The ideal candidate has multiple years of experience as a defense team social worker within a public defender office or as a social worker within a civil legal services office and is familiar with the needs of high acuity mental health clients. Alternatively, experience working in a public or private social services agency providing housing, mental health, and/or substance abuse treatment services is also highly valued. An educational background in social work or related field is preferred, with the most desirable candidates holding a social work license.

This advertisement will run until filled with the following cutoff dates for review of applications: January 6, 2025, February 6, 2025 & March 6, 2025. This position is limited-term and may become permanent, depending upon funding availability.

Please take the short recruitment survey linked below: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M7N6925

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

OSPD has two regional offices located in Oakland and Sacramento.

  • The Oakland office is located downtown in a modern high-rise building near the 12th Street BART station, not to mention a variety of delicious restaurants.
  • The Sacramento office is located downtown in a modern high-rise building near SacRT Light Rail stations, Downtown Commons, and plenty of shopping.
OSPD permits full-time telework in accordance with government code 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. Business travel reimbursements consider an employee’s designated Headquarters Location and primary residence. The policy may be subject to change by the California Department of Human Resources. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-456650
Position #(s):
426-013-4800-901
Working Title:
Social Services Specialist
Classification:
STAFF SERVICES MANAGER I
$6,963.00 - $8,650.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Telework
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Department Information

The OSPD is legislatively mandated to focus its resources on post-conviction appellate representation in death penalty cases and improving indigent defense in California by providing assistance and training to local public defender systems.

Diversity Statement

OSPD is committed to promoting a workplace rooted in the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. We can best serve our clients and stakeholders when we have a diverse staff that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived experiences, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our colleagues.

An inclusive culture improves the quality of our work lives and makes us better advocates for our clients and better colleagues to each other. We are continually growing and are committed to equitable, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory hiring practices.

OSPD encourages applications from all qualified individuals of any race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, age, and veteran status. OSPD is recognized by the State Bar of California as a gold tier recipient of the DEI Leadership Seal Program for its ongoing commitment to advancing workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion for all staff through evidence-based actions.
Department Website: http://www.ospd.ca.gov/

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Office of the State Public Defender
Human Resources
Attn: LD Gutierrez
770 L Street, Suite 1000
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Office of the State Public Defender
Human Resources
LD Gutierrez
770 L Street, Suite 1000
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - Please see "Statement of Qualifications" section for instructions. 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Background in social work (license preferred) and/or experience working as a member of a holistic defense team and/or relevant experience in a related social service field such as housing, mental health, or substance abuse treatment.
  • Knowledge of available state, county, and municipal social service, housing, mental health, and substance abuse programs within California.
  • Knowledge of and experience with the CARE Court framework and/or an interest in developing expertise in this area.
  • Effective and compassionate communications skills that allow meaningful collaboration with people from a variety of social, cultural and economic backgrounds.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team that includes attorneys, researchers, and support staff.
  • Strong analytical, planning, and strategic thinking skills to come up with creative solutions to evolving challenges in CARE Court and holistic defense work.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes Health, Vision, Dental, and Retirement benefits. For more information on what is offered by the State of California, please visit:
  • The California Department of Human Resources CalHRwebsite. 
  • The California Public Employees' Retirement System CalPERSwebsite. 

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.ospd.ca.gov/
Human Resources Contact:
Lady Diana Gutierrez
(916) 324-0632
LadyDiana.Gutierrez@ospd.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lady Diana Gutierrez
(916) 324-0632
LadyDiana.Gutierrez@ospd.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Denise Armendariz
(916) 322-2676
Denise.Armendariz@ospd.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Exam Information

You will need to take and pass the Staff Services Manager I examination to establish list eligibility.
To take the exam, visit: Take the Staff Services Manager I Exam
For LEAP: Take the LEAP Staff Services Manager I Exam

Statement of Qualifications

Please provide detailed responses to the questions below; this can be in the form of a cover letter. Your response must be single-spaced, written in narrative form, and no longer than 2 pages. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

  • This position involves collaboration with CARE Court respondent’s counsel and defense counsel to better serve clients with high acuity mental health needs, including assistance securing housing and social services. How does your background and experience make you a fit for this role?
  • Rather than direct service provision, this role will involve training, resource develop, and support to respondent’s counsel and defense counsel across the state. Please explain your interest in this resource role and what impact you believe you can have in this position?
Applicants who fail to submit an SOQ will not be considered for interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job