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Public Defender Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender ... WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Incumbent's working relationships will reflect those of a typical defense ...

Hendricks County Government

Public Defender

Danville, IN · On-site

$84K - $99K/yr

Public Defender FLSA Status: Exempt Department: Public Defender Supervisor: Chief Public Defender ... WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: Incumbent's working relationships will reflect those of a typical defense ...

Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Miles City, MT · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Custer, MT · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Miles City, MT · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Billings, OK · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Helena, MT · On-site +1

Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one ... social services that may be available in the community. * Skilled in use of standard office ...

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Public Defender Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do public defender social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public defender social worker?

Public Defender Social Workers are professionals who work alongside public defenders to support clients facing criminal charges. They assess clients’ social, mental health, and environmental needs, and connect them to community resources such as housing, counseling, or substance abuse treatment. Their goal is to address underlying issues that may have contributed to a client’s legal situation, advocate for alternatives to incarceration, and support rehabilitation. By providing holistic support, they help ensure fairer legal outcomes and promote client well-being.

How does a public defender social worker typically collaborate with attorneys and clients during case preparation?

Public Defender Social Workers work closely with defense attorneys to gather comprehensive background information about clients, assess psychosocial needs, and develop mitigation strategies. They interview clients and their families, coordinate with community service providers, and prepare detailed reports that can inform case strategy or sentencing recommendations. Regular meetings with attorneys are common to ensure all relevant client needs and circumstances are considered, promoting holistic advocacy and better legal outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public defender social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Defender Social Worker, you need a background in social work (often an MSW), licensure (such as LCSW), and strong knowledge of criminal justice and case management. Familiarity with case management software, court documentation systems, and risk assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to advocate for vulnerable clients are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for effectively supporting clients through the legal system, connecting them with resources, and promoting fair outcomes.

What is the difference between Public Defender Social Worker vs Public Health Social Worker?

AspectPublic Defender Social WorkerPublic Health Social Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), state licensureMaster's in Social Work (MSW) or related field, licensure often required
Work EnvironmentLegal settings, courts, public defender officesHealthcare facilities, community health agencies
Employer & IndustryLegal system, government agenciesHealthcare, public health departments
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Defender Social Worker vs Public Health Social Worker

Public Defender Social Workers focus on assisting clients within the legal system, providing social services related to legal cases. In contrast, Public Health Social Workers work in healthcare settings, promoting community health and disease prevention. Both roles require similar credentials but serve different populations and environments.

More about Public Defender Social Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Public Defender Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Public Defender Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Public Defender Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Defender Social Worker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Public Defender Social Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Defender Social Worker jobs are:

Public Defender Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Public Defender

Danville, IN • On-site

Hendricks County Government
See more jobs at Hendricks County Governmentexternal

$84K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Hendricks County Job Description
Title: Public Defender
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Public Defender
Supervisor: Chief Public Defender
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Prepares and presents legal defense of indigent persons accused of committing crimes in Hendricks County. Position is responsible for all phases of defense as qualified, which include defending matters to a jury.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Reviews charging information, probable cause affidavits, and discovery tendered by the State of Indiana related to an accused's criminal matter.
  • Meets with individuals accused of a crime that have been appointed a public defender to ascertain facts, potential evidence, and exploration of potential legal defenses. Said meetings may occur in penal facilities, such as the Hendricks County Jail.
  • Interviews potential witnesses in an accused's criminal matter. Said interviews may be in the form of depositions or non-stenographic recorded interviews, when appropriate.
  • Interacts and negotiates with the State of Indiana to reach potential mutually acceptable plea agreement language, when appropriate.
  • Appears and represents the defense at all necessary Court hearings involving an accused's criminal matter, up to and including trial by jury, when appropriate.
  • Prepares appropriate legal motions, briefs, petitions, and other relevant pleadings in an accused's criminal matter.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Public Defender of Hendricks County.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence
  • Must have an unlimited license to practice law in the State of Indiana
  • Ability to effectively and tactfully deal with other people, which encompasses other staff of the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office, Judges, judicial staff, representatives from the State of Indiana, staff at penal facilities, and the public at large
  • Ability to take direction from the Hendricks County Chief Public Defender on various issues, which may not be case specific
  • Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing
  • Knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, and Indiana traffic law
  • Ability to defend an accused at all phases, including at a trial by jury
  • Ability to make effective use of legal references and other research tools
  • Knowledge of Court procedures, provisions, rules, and precedent
  • Ability to separate relevant data and facts from irrelevant data and facts when assessing proposed evidence in an accused's criminal matter
  • Ability to represent the Hendricks County Public Defender's Office maintaining appropriate standards

RESPONSIBILITY:
Incumbent is expected to be comfortable working with a large measure of autonomy without intrusive supervision. Incumbent would work within prescribed and generally accepted legal defense practices. Professional judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate strategy in defending an accused's criminal matter. Incumbent would also exercise discretion in interpreting statutes, rules, and legal precedent. Supervisor is available for consultation and guidance in the performance of duties. Incumbent may also be responsible for supervising support staff on completion of tasks.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Incumbent's working relationships will reflect those of a typical defense attorney. Incumbent will be working within a small office environment (less than 5 employees), an extended roster of part-time public defenders (over 30), other departments within Hendricks County Government, staff representing the interests of the State of Indiana via the Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office, Judges, judicial staff, the Hendricks County Public Defender Board, the Hendricks County Commissioners, and the Hendricks County Council.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Incumbent work is generally performed in a standard office environment, but work will also be performed in penal facilities and courtrooms. While the work is not physical demanding from a strength perspective, Incumbent should recognize that the position will impose stress and emotional strain at times. Beyond deadlines, Incumbent will be actively working to represent and advocate for those accused of committing crimes with liberty potentially at stake. Extended working hours may be required. Incumbent may be required to view, handle, and address evidence that may be offensive or biohazardous.
APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The job description for the position of Public Defender for the Office of the Chief Public Defender describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment. I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements, and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.
Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined?
_____ YES _____ NO
DATE:
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