Salary: $5,594.00 - $7,974.00 Monthly
Location : Colorado Springs, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Office of the State Public Defender
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 30 E Pikes Peak Ave. Ste. 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: [email protected]
Type of Announcement: This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.
How To Apply: Online applications through the Colorado Jobs portal will not be accepted. Please follow instructions on the job announcement for submitting an application.

Department Information
Application Deadline: 10/16/2026Cover Letters are required, please upload your cover letter and resume as one document. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.

To Apply: Visit Our Careers Page

Description of Job
Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work:

The Licensed Social Worker is the first level within the social worker series wherein employees are oriented to the role of mitigation, case management release planning, and forensic social work in a criminal public defense system; apply relevant techniques, methods and/or theories of the profession within that role; and, learn to apply their social work practice within the policies, procedures, rules and regulations specific to the Colorado State Public Defender. Public Defender Social Workers serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Social Workers perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments and compile psychosocial histories to develop recommendations concerning pretrial release, detention, case preparation, alternative placements, treatment options, conditions of probation or diversion, and sentencing and post-sentencing options, as appropriate.
• Conduct assessments to identify physical or mental health issues, substance abuse or other patterns potentially influencing the client's development, personality or behavior. Document and interpret symptoms of mental and behavioral impairment to assist the defense in developing case strategies.
• Collect social and family histories through interviews and document review, including highly sensitive and confidential information. Identify psychosocial influences and patterns in the client's development and behavior including, but not limited to, socio/cultural/economic status and behavioral health issues.
• Assist in obtaining and reviewing relevant records, evaluations or reports; and, analyze the significance of information relevant to the client's circumstances and case. Where appropriate, assist the defense team in documenting and organizing digital and physical files of information collected.
• Assist the defense team in identifying medical or mental health experts to further examine, evaluate and testify regarding the client's physical or mental health issues. Assist in interpreting evaluation findings.
• Serve as a collaborative member of the defense team: Consult with attorneys on the appropriate approach to the case; maintain regular and timely communications with the team; provide support to the client; and, identify and advocate for appropriate options for the client.
• Participate in pretrial and sentencing hearings, prepare reports, and provide additional support as requested by the defense attorney.
• Keep current on statewide resources available and relevant to client needs such as, treatment programs and alternative placements. Conduct research necessary to ensure resources are current.
• Attend multi-agency and multi-disciplinary staffing meetings regarding the client.
• May supervise and mentor student interns enrolled in a graduate-level social work education program.
• Requires frequent travel within the State of Colorado.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned. (non-essential)

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimal Educational / Professional Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS: Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Education and Experience:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university educational program in social work;
• Licensure to practice social work (LSW or LCSW) in the State of Colorado within 90 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training or experience in a criminal defense system.
• Experience working with adults involved in the criminal justice system.

Requirements

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job (outlined below), with or without reasonable accommodation. Unless otherwise stated, all job duties are considered essential functions

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Knowledge of English language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
• Knowledge of standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, internet browsers and e-mail.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

• Strong client facing service focus
• Ability to maintain client and office confidentiality;
• Ability to complete multiple tasks and assignments with frequent interruptions;
• Standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point, internet browsers and e-mail;
• Ability to learn and utilize Adobe Acrobat;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, court personnel, clients and client families, and public from diverse backgrounds;
• Operation of common office tools and equipment such as calculators, desktop computers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines;
• Effective communication, verbal and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information; includes receiving work direction.

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

• Occasionally required to stoop and kneel;
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
• Talking and hearing;
• Reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers.

Supplemental Information
JOB APPLICATION FAIRNESS ACT

Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.