Colorado Department of Revenue
Overview
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD)
is an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of the Colorado State Government, employing nearly 1,000 dedicated staff across twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of individuals who cannot afford counsel, providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired, and compassionate. How to Apply
Please email your
resume and cover letter
to
Carolina Gomez
at
Carolina.Gomez@coloradodefenders.us
no later than
January 6, 2026 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time) . Your credentials should address how your skills and experience met the qualifications for the position; the cover letter should highlight your interest in this position and working for the Office of the State Public Defender. (Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.) Benefits
6 health plans – Cigna & Kaiser options Basic vision insurance – included with medical plans Dental insurance State‑paid life insurance State‑paid short‑term disability FSA – healthcare and dependent care HSA plan with employer contribution Generous paid time off 11 paid holidays Access to mental health and well‑being resources Colorado PERA 401(k) and 457 supplemental retirement plans In‑house clinical supervision for Social Workers working on their LCSW Position Summary
The Licensed Social Worker is a youth‑specific position located in Denver. The role is the first level within the social worker series, oriented to mitigation, case management, release planning, and forensic social work within a criminal public defense system. The worker applies relevant techniques, methods, and theories of the profession, and learns to apply social work practice within the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Colorado State Public Defender. Typical 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. 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. Identify psychosocial influences and patterns in the client’s development and behavior, including socio/cultural/economic status and behavioral health issues. Assist in obtaining and reviewing relevant records, evaluations, or reports; 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 examine, evaluate, or 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; 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 Colorado. Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university program in social work. Licensure to practice social work (LSW) in Colorado within 90 days of employment. Preferred Qualifications
Training or experience in a criminal defense system. Experience working with children, teenagers, youth, and adult clients. Supplemental Information
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Non‑Discrimination
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The agency assists individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please
ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD)
is an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of the Colorado State Government, employing nearly 1,000 dedicated staff across twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of individuals who cannot afford counsel, providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired, and compassionate. How to Apply
Please email your
resume and cover letter
to
Carolina Gomez
at
Carolina.Gomez@coloradodefenders.us
no later than
January 6, 2026 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time) . Your credentials should address how your skills and experience met the qualifications for the position; the cover letter should highlight your interest in this position and working for the Office of the State Public Defender. (Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.) Benefits
6 health plans – Cigna & Kaiser options Basic vision insurance – included with medical plans Dental insurance State‑paid life insurance State‑paid short‑term disability FSA – healthcare and dependent care HSA plan with employer contribution Generous paid time off 11 paid holidays Access to mental health and well‑being resources Colorado PERA 401(k) and 457 supplemental retirement plans In‑house clinical supervision for Social Workers working on their LCSW Position Summary
The Licensed Social Worker is a youth‑specific position located in Denver. The role is the first level within the social worker series, oriented to mitigation, case management, release planning, and forensic social work within a criminal public defense system. The worker applies relevant techniques, methods, and theories of the profession, and learns to apply social work practice within the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Colorado State Public Defender. Typical 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. 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. Identify psychosocial influences and patterns in the client’s development and behavior, including socio/cultural/economic status and behavioral health issues. Assist in obtaining and reviewing relevant records, evaluations, or reports; 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 examine, evaluate, or 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; 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 Colorado. Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university program in social work. Licensure to practice social work (LSW) in Colorado within 90 days of employment. Preferred Qualifications
Training or experience in a criminal defense system. Experience working with children, teenagers, youth, and adult clients. Supplemental Information
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Non‑Discrimination
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The agency assists individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please
ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us .
#J-18808-Ljbffr