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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 ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Blytheville, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Work closely with other attorneys, investigators, social workers, and support staff within the Public Defender's Office to provide the best possible defense for clients.Represent clients in court ...

Steuben County

Public Defender

Angola, IN · On-site

Working knowledge of Public Defender's Department goals, objectives, and operational requirements, with ability to effectively develop and implement appropriate procedures accordingly. Working ...

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All JobsPublic Defender Social Worker Jobs

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 14, 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.

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.

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.
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 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender

Ontario County (Department of Human Resources)

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Ontario County Public Defender's Office is looking for qualified applicants to fill full-time Assistant Public Defender position in their office.
Salary: 2026 - New Associate Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $102,779/yr.
2026 - Experienced Level Attorney starting rate of pay (Step 1) is $121,299/yr.
*** Please note adjustments up to Step 4 maybe made based upon experience and with the approval of the Ontario County Board of Supervisors. ***
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 3% deferred compensation match, NYS retirement pension, employee wellness programming, and generous leave provided.
QUALIFICATIONS: County Values: All employees of Ontario County are expected to uphold and exhibit the County's shared values and behaviors to achieve the County's Vision and Mission.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Shall have graduated from a regionally accredited college or university, or a New York State registered college or university with an undergraduate degree, followed by a Law Degree from an accredited Law School. Shall be admitted to the practice of law in the state of New York, and shall be continuously admitted throughout the term of service as the Assistant Public Defender. Multilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Public Defender shall hold no other public or political office, and shall devote full working time to the county.
Experience:
A satisfactory level of knowledge and understanding in the field and practice of criminal law. Prior experience in representing individuals in a Public Defender office or through an 18-b panel is preferred but not required. Trial experience preferred but not required.
Description of Duties:
  • Provide zealous legal representation of the highest caliber. Work collaboratively
    with office attorneys, social workers, defense investigators, and administrative staff.
    Promote a collaborative, client-centered office setting.
  • Assist the Public Defender in handling a full caseload of criminal matters including
    arraignments, preliminary hearings, pretrial proceedings, hearings, and trials.
    Appear at criminal and administrative proceedings in the local, county, and state
    courts located within Ontario County.
  • Handling first appearances in courts throughout Ontario County and the Centralized
    Arraignment Part.
  • Assist the Public Defender in legal research in the preparation of pretrial motions
    and trial memoranda.
  • Maintain accurate records and updated files.
  • Represent clients accused of violating terms of their supervision in parole
    proceedings.
  • Assist the Public Defender by maintaining frequent client contact by phone, paper
    correspondence, and performing routine visits to incarcerated clients.
  • Work with defense investigators to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated.
    Collaborate with office social work staff on behalf of clients in need of services.
SPECIAL NOTE: Unlicensed law degree graduate awaiting bar exam/bar results for admission may be hired at lower salary band and will move to the Associate Level salary band once they have successfully passed the bar.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until all the positions are filled.
Applications and resumes must be submitted through the Ontario County Employment Portal at https://ontario-portal.mycivilservice.com/
EOE

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