Chief of Behavioral Health Unit

Looking to make a difference! Become a Defender!

At the Defender, we are committed to holistic, client-centered representation for individuals impacted by behavioral health challenges such as those suffer from mental health disorders, traumatic brain injuries or intellectual disabilities. We are seeking a Chief of the Behavioral Health Unit to lead a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys and unit staff dedicated to mental health advocacy across specialized courts and proceedings. This is an opportunity to mentor the next generation of public defenders and advance systemic change for clients impacted by behavioral health challenges.

What You’ll Do:

• Supervise, manage, and provide leadership for Municipal Court Mental Health Court, Common Pleas Mental Health Court, Civil Commitment Hearings, and any vertical representation of clients that may occur within the Unit
• Represent the Defender with stakeholders and at local, state and national events dealing with mental health
• Prepare and present mental health trainings to staff, other public defender offices, judges, private attorneys, law schools, other stakeholders, etc, and be available to respond to questions from these entities
• Liaison with other managers and attorneys as needed, including during off hours, for custody emergencies regarding clients threatening self-harm or in need of behavioral health medication
• Supervise, evaluate, and provide feedback to all staff
• Collect and collate data on psychiatric detainers, caseloads, dispositions, civil mental health commitments, and other data sets relevant to the mental health and behavioral health practice
• Keep up to date on Mental Health law and the Mental Health Procedures Act, as well as be up-to date on the current state of the law and science surrounding Intellectual Disabilities and Traumatic Brain Injuries, and maintain familiarity with the DSM-V-TR
• Work with other units to assist in preparation of mental health cases, when appropriate
• Be accessible and available to appear in court on short notice to assist other Defender attorneys dealing with clients in mental health or behavioral health crisis
• Travel to relevant courtrooms, state mental hospitals, local and state prisons and other community placements
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

• Juris Doctorate Degree required; Admission to PA Bar required
• Five (5) years of criminal defense experience, preferred
• Jury trial experience, preferred
• Familiarity with criminal mental health court, civil commitment hearings, competency hearings, forced medication hearings, and insanity trials, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively on complex legal and technical issues through oral and written communication with staff, court personnel, and outside stakeholders

Benefits & Perks

·       Generous and rich benefits plan with many employer paid benefits

·       Substantial paid time off- 35 days of PTO with all federal holidays off

·       Retirement Savings Match

·       Six weeks of paid parental leave

·       Free Septa Travel Key card

·       Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

·       Meaningful & Impactful Work

·       Wellness benefits such superior mental health benefits, free subscription to CALM, etc.

To Apply:

Please apply online and include cover letter detailing experience and interest in this role by May 12, 2025.

Salary is based on experience.

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.