Director of Social Services in Child Advocacy

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The Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) Director of Social Services will work directly with the Chief and Assistant Chief of the unit to implement the CAU's vision of best practices for legal representation of dependent children and youth. The Director of Social Services will act in accordance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and in compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines and regulations. The primary responsibility of the Director of Social Services will be to continue the CAU's work on our interdisciplinary model of representation and how to best support our lawyer/social worker/peer advocate teams. The Director of Social Services will supervise the unit's social work and peer advocate supervisors. The Director of Social Services must have strong communication skills and be able to navigate a collaborative, team approach. Must also be willing to facilitate meetings and ensure flow of information and communication and must be fully engaged with the full Leadership Team.

What You'll Do

• Facilitate and drive team-centered approach for client representation.
• Provide direct supervision to social service supervisors - including social work and peer advocate supervisors.
• Work closely with Chief and Assistant Chief to manage the day to day operations of the CAU.
• Conduct regular 1:1 supervision meetings with direct reports.

• Educate social workers, attorneys and peer advocates on treatment modalities, programs and services that will benefit the CAU's clients
• Participate in Leadership Meetings and sit on any committees that would further the mission of the CAU. Recognize that as a member of the Leadership Team the Director of Social Service has responsibilities to the CAU as a whole.
• Encourage and model positive communication and ongoing collaboration between attorneys, social workers, peer advocates. administrative staff, and all other units. Help resolve conflicts between colleagues as they arise.
• Actively engage in Family Integrity Project and other initiatives as needed.
• Coordinate with Chief and Outreach staff to ensure that both local and mobile outreach is being handled; includes working with CFO to make sure budgetary needs are being met.
• Incorporate the mission, vision, and core values into recruiting, hiring, and training. Work with Director of Recruitment, Chief, Assistant Chief and supervisors when hiring new staff.
• Assist the Chief and Assistant Chief with addressing the concerns of designatedstaff who fail to handle their duties and related responsibilities. Engage with HR as needed.
• Coordinate with Director of Training, Chief and Assistant Chief for any trainings necessary to assist social service staff or CAU as a whole.
• Work with Director of Policy on issues that overlap between social work and policy areas.
• Represent the CAU at local/national meetings and events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or needed

What You'll Need

• Minimum of eight years of experience in Child Welfare field
• Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred or Masters in a related field required
• Knowledge of Dependency Court System
• Minimum of three years supervisory experience.
• Cultural humility and commitment to trauma-informed representation.
• Experience in engaging and supporting children and youth and a commitment to client voice.
• Commitment to anti-racist approaches to engaging youth and families.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage through conflict.
• Proven experience in managing projects requiring collaboration.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Must be responsive and have excellent attention to detail.
• Commitment to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce.
• Demonstrated success at collaborating with external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple and changing priorities.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality consistent with HR policy and procedures.
• Ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of interviewing techniques and have an understanding of the psychosocial, mental health substance use, and environmental factors affecting the quality of life for Philadelphians.
• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate with widely diverse groups.
• This position requires strong leadership, analytical and interpersonal skills to complement sound judgment and reliable decision-making.
• Must be able to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May have to lift up to 15 pounds
• Travel to various courtrooms and prisons as needed

To apply

Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Very generous and rich benefits plan with vision, dental, life insurance and long term disability
• Substantial paid time off (35 days of PTO plus all federal holidays)
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• 403 (b) retirement savings with Employer Match
• Free Septa All Access Key card
• Meaningful & Impactful Work
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We're the community's lawyers. The Defender team - more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff - make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.