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Public Defender Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

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 ...

State of Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

El Dorado, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

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 ...

State of Montana

Public Defender

Custer, MT · On-site

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 Arkansas

PUBLIC DEFENDER I

Texarkana, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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

Butte, 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

Butte, 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

Cascade, MT · On-site

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

Bozeman, 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

Cascade, 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 ...

Montana

Public Defender

Great Falls, 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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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGovernment JobsJudicial Services JobsPublic Defender 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 Sep 2, 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.

Assistant Public Defender for 2027

Office of the Public Defender 15th Judicial Circuit Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

$68K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

INTERVIEWS FOR SPRING & SUMMER 2027 WILL COMMENCE IN August 2026.
The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit (PD-15), is a client-centered, dynamic advocacy office providing representation to people whose lives and liberty are at stake.
The office handles close to 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers, investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, housing the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county.
Divisions include: County Court; Felony; Mental Health; Major Crimes; Youth Defense; Appeals; and Investigative & Social Services' Units.
PD-15 seeks upcoming law school graduates(December 2026 and May 2027) to join our assistant public defender team in spring and summer 2027 protecting, defending, and upholding the constitutional rights of indigent persons to receive high quality legal representation, fair treatment, and equal justice. Our interview and hiring process is continuous throughout the year, though for new attorneys we like to start classes in March and August. We also accept applications from barred criminal defense attorneys. NOTE: WE DO NOT PROVIDE VISA SPONSORSHIP OTHER THAN FOR CANADIAN AND MEXICAN NATIONALS APPLYING UNDER THE TN/NAFTA VISA.
We provide training and orientation for those joining PD-15. Our attorneys collaborate with other attorneys, investigators, mental health experts, forensic experts, and social service specialists to provide holistic client supports, court advocacy, as well as appellate advocacy.
Commitment: Full time, permanent; Public Defender Daniel Eisinger requests a three-year commitment.
Compensation: Our 2026 recruits started at $68,500 with an increase to $75,500 after the Public Defender swears them in to the State of Florida Bar; Florida State benefits; and opportunity to qualify for student loan and housing cost relief.
Generous holiday and leave: Approximately 13 annual holidays when the office is closed; eight hours per month of annual leave (with annual increases based on years of service); two annual observance days; and eight hours per month of sick leave.
PD-15 is a client-centered, dynamic advocacy office providing representation to people whose lives and liberty are at stake.
The office handles close to 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers, investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, housing the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county.
Divisions include: County Court; Felony; Mental Health; Major Crimes; Youth Defense; Appeals; and Investigative & Social Services' Units.
PD-15 hires motivated attorneys from all backgrounds who are dedicated to representing indigent clients.
For Trial attorneys, desired qualifications include:
  • Strong legal research and writing skills.
  • Experience with client interaction.
  • Trial experience (clinic, internship, Certified Legal Intern, etc.)

Trial attorneys' responsibilities include:
  • Provide excellent and timely representation by obtaining timely pretrial release, investigating and filing all appropriate motions, trying cases, and preparing and presenting sentencing mitigation.
  • Participate in available training sessions including attending FL Law Weekly updates.
  • Pursue investigative avenues with support from the investigation unit.
  • Provide holistic client service with support from Social Services division.
  • Collaborate with mental health experts, forensic experts, or others to assist in pretrial, trial, and sentencing proceedings.
  • Communicate regularly - and in a meaningful way - with clients, either in the office or at the jails.

Trial attorneys' responsibilities include:
  • Provide excellent and timely representation by obtaining timely pretrial release, investigating and filing all appropriate motions, trying cases, and preparing and presenting sentencing mitigation.
  • Participate in available training sessions including attending FL Law Weekly updates.
  • Pursue investigative avenues with support from the investigation unit.
  • Provide holistic client service with support from Social Services division.
  • Collaborate with mental health experts, forensic experts, or others to assist in pretrial, trial, and sentencing proceedings.
  • Communicate regularly - and in a meaningful way - with clients, either in the office or at the jails.

Apply