Arpa Therapist (Public Defender) - Control No.: 2406-2900-0000-0000

Under the general supervision of the Chief Public Defender and the direct supervision of the Social Work Division Administrator, plans, organizes, directs, reviews, and evaluates the Public Defender Therapy Program. Provides clinical therapy services to Public Defender clients, both those who are in jail custody and those who are in the community. Serves as a professional lead worker, coordinating service activities of the program. As such, the Therapist may assign work, monitor activities, evaluate the program, supervise and train subordinate employees and interns, and perform similar coordinating functions of a non-supervisory nature. Performs related duties as required. VISION The Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender envisions an approach to indigent defense that is holistic in nature and acknowledges the multifaceted needs of its clients. GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR HEALTH EQUITY Washtenaw County Office of Public Defender seeks to advance equity around filling the mental health needs of criminal legal system-involved individuals, who are disproportionately impacted by mental illness and poor mental health outcomes. Investing in therapy within the criminal legal system promotes racial and economic equity by mitigating the difficulties associated with mental illness and incarceration, which are disproportionately felt by people of color, and addressing the trauma often associated with interactions with the criminal legal system and carceral settings. Our work toward health equity and social justice will be guided by the following principles:

• We value all people equally.

• We name, admonish, and seek to ameliorate the injustices within the criminal legal system.

• We name racism and other "-isms" as a barrier to health equity and social justice.

• We strengthen partnerships with mental health providers that aid in improving mental health outcomes for our clients, who are marginalized at multiple intersections of identity.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Essential Duties:

• Provides clinical therapy services to Public Defender Clients utilizing a variety of treatment modalities.

• Completes comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments.

• Collaborates with clients to create a plan of care.

• Provides support and education regarding mental illness and stigma associated with mental illness.

• Informs clients of their rights as they navigate mental health care.

• Keeps timely and accurate clinical records and documentation of work.

• Manages client needs and expectations in a timely manner.

• Manages transition of therapeutic care to a new clinician at the end of standard sessions, or at the end of legal representation by the Office of Public Defender.

• Directs and participates in program planning and evaluation of programs to assess, evaluate, and provide services to a diverse population.

• Creates program policies for approval by the Social Work Division Administrator. Assists in implementing program policies.

• Provides leadership, training, and support to subordinate staff, including BSW and/or MSW interns.

• Meets and confers with the Social Work Division Administrator, Chief Public Defender, and other Public Defender staff to assess ongoing services and plan new approaches to intervention.

• Confers with staff members regarding program goals, policies, and activities.

• Participates as a team member in division reviews to provide and receive feedback on services provided.

• Oversees the intake, assessment, and delivery of direct and indirect services to clients.

• Ensures quality control, quality improvement, and program monitoring and evaluation activities. Ensures that such activities are accomplished effectively and in compliance with legislative and regulatory guidelines and ethical and professional standards.

• Directs the maintenance and submission of accurate records, reports, and files.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• To perform this job successfully an individual must have an interest in serving the indigent criminally accused.

• Knowledge of the use of the DSM-V.

• Knowledge of common signs and symptoms of mental illness.

• Knowledge of and ability to utilize therapeutic treatment modalities and evidence-based practices.

• Knowledge of the Social Work Code of Ethics and/or the Michigan Mental Health Code.

• Knowledge of available community resources and support systems.

• Culturally responsive in the delivery of therapeutic services.

• Demonstrates effective, productive, and motivational leadership skills within the division.

• Demonstrates competency in office administrative practices and procedures, including computer operations, software applications, and standard office equipment.

• Understanding of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to County programs or resources.

• Superior writing and presentation skills; ability to produce clear, concise, and effective materials in multiple formats and for multiple audiences.

• Ability to manage crisis situations and seek support appropriately.

• Ability to assess the safety of clients as a professional service provider.

• Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements and duties required of all those working in a criminal defense law firm.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS State of Michigan license: LLMSW-C or equivalent required, LMSW-C or equivalent preferred. Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal office setting and use standard office equipment including a computer, vision to read printed materials, a computer monitor, and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone. These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE A Master of Social Work degree or equivalent, and 3 years of related experience or the equivalent, including field practicum. This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above and may be required to specific job-related knowledge for successful job performance.

FILING DEADLINE: 7/9/24

CONTROL NUMBER: 2406-2900-0000-0000

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER