Social Worker / Caseworker Job at SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT in Boston

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General Statement Of Duties And Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, provides inmates with casework services and referrals to education and program service opportunities available in the Department and the surrounding communities;
• Provides guidance on personal, classification, recovery and general legal matters. Identifies and resolves potential problems not immediately apparent to the inmate (e.g. discharge date calculation and canteen, classification, parole, or discharge issues); and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

• At the Jail, works under the general supervision of the Director of Social Services, the Substance Abuse Program Supervisor, or the Social Services Supervisor.
• At the House of Correction, works under the general supervision of the Director of Social Services, the Substance Abuse Program Supervisor, Women’s Program Supervisor, or Social Services Supervisors.

Supervision Exercised

None

Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides casework services to inmates. Meets with inmates daily, identifying and assessing personal, classification, parole, and programmatic issues affecting their sentence and re‑entry into the community; maintains daily presence in the inmate housing units.
• Prepares inmates and reports for the classification process through individual interviews. Evaluates inmates regarding eligibility and suitability for movement to lower security.
• Refers inmates to program and support services, including but not limited to recovery meetings, religious services, life skills, educational programs, medical and legal services. Assists inmates in their post‑release plans relative to housing, employment, education, recovery and medical services available in the community.
• Facilitates Life Skills, Recovery and Violence Prevention groups as directed. Assists in the supervision of volunteer treatment facilitators and works as part of a clinical/recovery team in the housing unit where assigned.
• Prepares case notes and maintains accurate and up‑to‑date records on all inmates assigned to the caseload.
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned.
• Performs duties as directed by the Sheriff or designee from time to time.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of community resources and programs available to assist inmates.
• Sensitivity to individual, emotional and behavioral patterns and the impact of cultural, racial, educational and economic factors in society.
• Working knowledge of institutional, educational, classification and therapeutic processes required.
• Considerable ability to conduct large and small recovery meetings; to listen attentively and work effectively with inmates; to maintain harmonious relationships with staff, community agencies and clients; to maintain case records according to specific guidelines; to recognize specific educational and recovery needs; to maintain caseloads as assigned and keep detailed records, logs and files.
• Working knowledge of the bail process, court process and sentencing procedures is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related major preferred. College‑level courses in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology or equivalent.
• Year of full‑time or equivalent part‑time experience as a correction officer or caseworker providing services to prisoners or ex‑offenders required.
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Prevention Counseling certification preferred where applicable.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Thorough knowledge of department policies and procedures is preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred where applicable.

Essential Functions

• Regular, punctual and predictable attendance at assigned workplace and at scheduled meetings;
• Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of department policies and procedures;
• Compliance with security procedures;
• Obeying moderately complex oral and written orders;
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
• Able to independently initiate a project, execute the necessary steps, and complete in a timely and effective manner;
• Deal calmly and effectively with stressful situations, including emergencies; and
• Exercise good judgment.

Minimum Physical Requirements For Essential Functions

• Sit or stand periodically for 8 hours;
• Lift up to 5 pounds;
• Carry up to 5 pounds;
• Climb stairs occasionally;
• Walk short distances; and
• Write and type.

Additional Functions Of Position

Participation in mandatory training.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Part‑time

Job function

Other

Industries

Law Enforcement