Client Service Coordinator (Public Defenders Department)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide alternative disposition plans for clients with Mental Health & substance abuse disorders in the court system; and, upon request of attorneys, investigate cases by interviewing clients and witnesses, prepare and serve subpoenas on witnesses, and provide assistance to prisoners filling out Public Defender applications.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Identify clients with Mental Health &/or substance disorders to assist them accordingly.
• Collaborate with representatives from Social Service Agencies and/or treatment facilities to make referrals and recommendations, as needed.
• Upon request of Public Defender attorneys:
  • Prepare Psycho-Social Pre-Sentence Report (sentence mitigation report) of client for court, and collect documentation, as determined (such as Mental Health Records, School Records, Social Service Records & the like).
  • Interview client and witnesses, review crime scene(s), photograph crime scene, serve subpoenas for court hearings, review police reports, obtain medical records, etc.
  • Provide assistance to incarcerated Defendants filling out Public Defender application for representation.
  • Provide assistance at trial.
• Occasional travel in-and-around the county and surrounding areas is sometimes required, to include prisons, courthouses, and meet with in-custody clients and interview witnesses.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related field.
• No experience required, one year of experience preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of community based social services.
• Ability to use windows-based computer programs.
• Able to collaborate with multiple agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively – both oral and written.
• General knowledge of criminal law & procedure.
• General knowledge of Mental Health Act.
• General knowledge of jail diversion & Treatment Courts.
• Ability to interview for court reports & services.
• Good problem-solving ability and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to use a camera to photograph crime scenes.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office and courtroom environment. Some fieldwork to crime scenes will cause exposure to outdoor environments.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Us:

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other ​county information, this is the place to start.

Mission Statement:

It is the mission of Berks County government and all County employees to administer and deliver services to the citizens of the County in the most effective, efficient and professional manner possible within the constraints of the financial resources available.