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Public Defender Social Worker Jobs in Spring, TX

St. Gabriel's Hospice

Social Worker

Spring, TX · On-site

The Social Worker will participate in the coordination of care with the Interdisciplinary Group ... of public and private eligibility standards and requirements. Provides patient and family/care ...

VALOR HOSPICE

Social Worker

Houston, TX

The social worker will participate in the coordination of care with the Interdisciplinary Group ... of public and private eligibility standards and requirements. Provides patient and family/care ...

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All JobsPublic Defender Social Worker JobsPublic Defender Social Worker Jobs in Spring, TX

Public Defender Social Worker information

See Spring, TX salary details

$30.7K

$67.9K

$104.1K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for public defender social worker in Spring, TX is $67,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $81,400.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Spring, TX? For Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Spring, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Spring, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Public Defender Social Worker jobs in Spring, TX are:
What cities near Spring, TX are hiring for Public Defender Social Worker jobs? Cities near Spring, TX 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 Spring, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,868 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Assistant Public Defender, Mental Health Division - Felony

Harris County, TX

Houston, TX • On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Harris County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

413th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 17025
Department: Public Defender's Office
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Description
About the Harris County Public Defender's Office:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is committed to providing client-centered, high-quality representation to indigent clients. We seek attorneys dedicated to advancing justice through thoughtful advocacy, collaboration, and compassionate representation.
Position Description:
The Harris County Public Defender's Office has an opening for an Assistant Public Defender in the Felony Section of the Mental Health Division. Attorneys in the Felony Section of the Mental Health Division represent clients with a documented history of mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), or co-occurring conditions who are charged with felony offenses in the Harris County Criminal District Courts.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, client advocates, and support staff, attorneys provide holistic, client-centered representation that addresses both the legal and underlying needs of their clients. The ideal candidate will have personal or professional experience working with individuals with mental illness or IDD; however, such experience is preferred, not required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides zealous, client-centered representation in the Harris County Criminal District Courts. while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
  • Conducts legal research, analyzes and interprets legal issues, and drafts motions, memoranda, and other pleadings in assigned cases.
  • Collaborates with investigators, social workers, mitigation specialist, support staff, and other members of the defense team to prepare case files, gather evidence, and develop effective defense strategies.
  • Develops a working knowledge of civil and criminal statutes related to mental health, competency, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Maintains regular communication with clients and, when appropriate, their family members or support systems, including frequent visits to the Harris County Jail, to ensure clients are informed and supported throughout the representation.
  • Prepares cases for trial and litigates cases from charge through disposition, including examining witnesses, presenting legal arguments and evidence, conducting pre-trial conferences, hearings, plea negotiations, and trials.
  • Fosters a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented environment with clients, colleagues, court personnel, and community partners.
  • Participates in office training programs, continuing legal education, and other professional development opportunities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Harris County Public Defender's Office.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net
Requirements
Education and Experience:
  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of criminal law experience is required.

Licensure:
  • Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
  • Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong written and oral advocacy skills.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management abilities.
  • Ability to manage an active caseload while meeting court deadlines.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism in challenging situations.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Commitment to providing client-centered representation and serving indigent clients.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
  • Personal or professional experience working with individuals living with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or co-occurring disorders.
  • Experience handling felony criminal cases.
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary teams or community service providers.
  • Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is a plus.

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • Regular Full-time
  • Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Weekend hours as needed.

Salary:
  • Depends on Qualifications
  • Based on 26 Pay Periods
    • Plus, benefits

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
  • Medical Coverage
  • Dental Coverage
  • Vision Coverage
  • Wellness Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
  • Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
  • One (1) floating holiday per year
  • Paid Parental Leave*
  • Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
  • Professional learning & development opportunities
  • Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
  • Flexible work schedule*
  • METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01
Do you have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited institution of law?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas?(Qualifying information must be documented in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application.)
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have three (3) years of criminal law experience?(To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have personal or professional experience working with individuals living with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or co-occurring disorders?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have experience handling felony criminal cases?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have experience working with multidisciplinary teams or community service providers?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you speak two languages fluently, particularly Spanish?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

What Harris County employees say

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About Harris County

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

2000

Social media

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