Social Service Specialist
Pierce County, Tacoma, WA, United States
Why It's a Great Opportunity
As a professional with experience in and understanding of justice‑involved individuals, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the community. As a Social Service Specialist, you will work with clients and/or their attorneys to provide release planning, case management, crisis management, advocacy, and referral of services to clients.
Mission of Pierce County District Court
The mission of Pierce County District Court, as an independent and impartial branch of government, is to promote respect for law, society, and individual rights; provide open, accessible, and effective forums for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient, and timely manner; and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties.
Traffic and non‑traffic infractions
Criminal and criminal‑traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
Civil matters for damages for injury to individuals or personal property, and contract disputes, no greater than $100,000
Small claims for recovery of money not to exceed $10,000
Name changes
Antiharassment protection orders
Stalking protection orders
How to Be Successful in the Role
This position is in our Community Court, working with participants independently and as part of the court team. You will connect participants with social services, housing, and treatment to reduce recidivism. Prior to each court session, you will update the team on participant progress, attend court sessions, monitor compliance with court‑ordered conditions, collaborate with partner agencies, and provide status updates to the court. Basic knowledge of substance use and mental health disorders, and ability to navigate community resources by providing assistance with housing, employment, medical, and a variety of other social service needs, are essential.
Your Future in this Role
Organization skills – manage several participants in two growing community court programs
Time Management – fit meetings with participants, evaluations, provider work, status reports, staffing and court hearings
Multitasking while working under pressure – meet strict deadlines and participate in live court sessions
Self‑starter – take initiative to set participants up for success and keep the team informed of each participant’s status
Working with people in the criminal justice system from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences
Continuity – maintain regular attendance and active participation in team activities
Quick Learner – hit the ground running to get up to speed with the court and our processes
Core Responsibilities
Collect data concerning client(s).
Coordinate services between providers, state, county and community resource partners and the Department of Assigned Council (DAC).
Enroll client in approved service(s) and assure funding has been approved.
Prepare release and service plans for the client to assist attorneys in securing favorable outcomes.
Attend committee meetings and service staffings.
Conduct client observation, assessments and studies.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in law, social services, human services, behavioral science, criminal justice or an allied field is required.
Two years of social service experience in the criminal justice system is preferred.
Applicant must be able to pass a Pierce County background check (criminal history check) prior to employment.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is required to meet the travel requirements of the position.
Additional Information
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As a professional with experience in and understanding of justice‑involved individuals, you have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the community. As a Social Service Specialist, you will work with clients and/or their attorneys to provide release planning, case management, crisis management, advocacy, and referral of services to clients.
Mission of Pierce County District Court
The mission of Pierce County District Court, as an independent and impartial branch of government, is to promote respect for law, society, and individual rights; provide open, accessible, and effective forums for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient, and timely manner; and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties.
Traffic and non‑traffic infractions
Criminal and criminal‑traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
Civil matters for damages for injury to individuals or personal property, and contract disputes, no greater than $100,000
Small claims for recovery of money not to exceed $10,000
Name changes
Antiharassment protection orders
Stalking protection orders
How to Be Successful in the Role
This position is in our Community Court, working with participants independently and as part of the court team. You will connect participants with social services, housing, and treatment to reduce recidivism. Prior to each court session, you will update the team on participant progress, attend court sessions, monitor compliance with court‑ordered conditions, collaborate with partner agencies, and provide status updates to the court. Basic knowledge of substance use and mental health disorders, and ability to navigate community resources by providing assistance with housing, employment, medical, and a variety of other social service needs, are essential.
Your Future in this Role
Organization skills – manage several participants in two growing community court programs
Time Management – fit meetings with participants, evaluations, provider work, status reports, staffing and court hearings
Multitasking while working under pressure – meet strict deadlines and participate in live court sessions
Self‑starter – take initiative to set participants up for success and keep the team informed of each participant’s status
Working with people in the criminal justice system from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences
Continuity – maintain regular attendance and active participation in team activities
Quick Learner – hit the ground running to get up to speed with the court and our processes
Core Responsibilities
Collect data concerning client(s).
Coordinate services between providers, state, county and community resource partners and the Department of Assigned Council (DAC).
Enroll client in approved service(s) and assure funding has been approved.
Prepare release and service plans for the client to assist attorneys in securing favorable outcomes.
Attend committee meetings and service staffings.
Conduct client observation, assessments and studies.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in law, social services, human services, behavioral science, criminal justice or an allied field is required.
Two years of social service experience in the criminal justice system is preferred.
Applicant must be able to pass a Pierce County background check (criminal history check) prior to employment.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is required to meet the travel requirements of the position.
Additional Information
At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community.
#J-18808-Ljbffr