Social Worker

Salary: $5,594.00 - $7,974.00 Monthly
Location : Denver, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Office of the State Public Defender
Opening Date: 11/13/2026
Closing Date: 12/3/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Primary Physical Work Address: 1560 Broadway Ste. 300, Denver, CO, 80202
FLSA Status: Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Recruitment@coloradodefenders.us
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: 12/3/2026
Cover Letters are required, please upload your cover letter and resume as one document. Failure to submit required documents may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.

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

The Colorado State Public Defender is seeking a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) to join our multidisciplinary defense teams. This position provides an opportunity to apply forensic social work practice in a public defense setting where comprehensive mitigation investigation, psycho-social assessment, and client advocacy directly impact legal strategy and case outcomes.

Working under the direction of defense attorneys, Social Workers conduct in-depth mitigation investigations to develop comprehensive life histories and identify factors that may impact a client's legal circumstances. Through interviews, record collection, psychosocial assessment, and analysis of trauma, mental health, developmental, family, cultural, and environmental influences, Social Workers help the defense team understand each client's unique story. By translating complex behavioral health and life experiences into clear and persuasive mitigation narratives, you will support client-centered advocacy and meaningful legal outcomes.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychosocial assessments, mitigation interviews, and comprehensive social history investigations with clients, family members, service providers, and other collateral contacts.
• Identify and analyze mitigating factors, including trauma, mental health conditions, developmental history, substance use, family dynamics, cultural influences, and social determinants that may affect a client's circumstances and legal case.
• Prepare recommendations related to pretrial release, treatment options, diversion programs, alternative placements, probation conditions, and sentencing considerations.
• Gather, review, and analyze medical, mental health, educational, treatment, and other relevant records.
• Assist attorneys in understanding psychosocial factors that may influence case strategy.
• Connect clients with community resources, treatment providers, and support services.
• Participate in client meetings, staffing discussions, hearings, and other case-related activities.
• Collaborate with attorneys, experts, treatment providers, and community partners while maintaining client confidentiality and attorney-client privilege.
• Research and maintain knowledge of statewide treatment programs, behavioral health services, and community resources.
• Travel throughout Colorado to meet with clients, attend hearings, and coordinate services.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong assessment, interviewing, and case analysis skills.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, trauma-informed practices, and social determinants of behavior.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing confidential information.
• Ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Sound professional judgment, discretion, and ethical decision-making.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive service delivery.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Why Join Our Team?

The Colorado State Public Defender is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and holistic client advocacy. Social Workers are vital members of the defense team and play a critical role in identifying strengths, mitigating factors, treatment needs, and opportunities that support positive outcomes for clients.

If you are passionate about social work, advocacy, and advancing justice through client-centered practice, we encourage you to apply.

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

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university educational program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status in Colorado within 90 days of employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Training or experience in a criminal defense system, forensic social work, criminal justice, behavioral health, or related fields
• Experience working with justice-involved adults or adolescents.
• Knowledge of community-based treatment, housing, behavioral health, support resources.

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.