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Public Defender Social Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

WORKING CONDITIONS: The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting ... Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

WORKING CONDITIONS: The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting ... Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

WORKING CONDITIONS: The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting ... Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading ...

allencounty

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

WORKING CONDITIONS: The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting ... Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading ...

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All JobsPublic Defender Social Worker JobsPublic Defender Social Worker Jobs in Indiana

Public Defender Social Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$32.8K

$72.6K

$111.3K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender social worker in Indiana is $72,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,100.00 and $87,100.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Indiana?

For Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Defender Social Worker jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Public Defender Social Worker job openings:

Public Defender Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Defender Social Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,572 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender- Misdemeanors

allencounty

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Deputy Public Defender – Misdemeanors

Department: Public Defender’s Office - Misdemeanor                   FLSA Status: Exempt

Classification/Level: Special Occupation                                       Date:  11/2018

Under the direction of the Chief Public Defender, the Deputy Public Defender provides criminal defense to indigent defendants in the courts of Allen County, Indiana as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution and Indiana state law. This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook. This is an employee-at-will position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

  • Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in person meetings, while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
  • Responsible for representing defendants during criminal investigative proceedings.
  • Represents defendants in all court appearances, including pretrial discovery, withdraw pleas, and suppression notices.
  • Works with support staff to provide effective and high quality legal representation to accused indigent people facing felony or misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudication, and mental health commitments.
  • Attends post-trial sentencing hearings for clients who negotiate plea bargains or are found guilty in trial.
  • Files appeals when errors are found in court proceedings which prevented the defendant from having a fair trial. 
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
  • Valid Indiana license to practice law
  • Excellent written and communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

 

The Deputy Public Defender performs work that consists of many complex and significant variables when providing criminal defense to indigent defendants.  Extensive judgement and adaptation is required to provide effective and high quality legal representation.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Deputy Public Defender performs work that is extensive and consequential while representing defendants. The Deputy Public Defender works with little to no supervision and is responsible for providing effective and high quality legal representation to all assigned defendants.

 

 

 

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

 

The Deputy Public Defender maintains frequent communication with defendants, judges, prosecutors, probation, law enforcement, investigators and Public Defender office staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Deputy Public Defender performs work in a courtroom and office type setting.  Very frequent typing, attention to detail, detailed inspection and transcription/proofreading exists. 

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Valid Indiana license to practice law

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Chief Public Defender

HOURS:

Hours vary; 37.5 hours

EEO CATEGORY:

8820   

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

0103

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