Dispositional Advisor

Application Requirements

ATTACH COVER LETTER AND RESUME

Under administrative direction and supervision, cases are referred to the Legal Dispositional Advisor by Public Defender attorneys for the purpose of formulating individualized alternative dispositions or sentencing options and providing relevant mitigation evidence for juvenile and adults clients charged in District or Juvenile Court.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successfully completing the probationary period of 12 months.

Definition/Summary of Duties

• Consults with staff attorneys in case preparation;
• Prepare comprehensive social histories through client interviews, collateral contacts and pertinent records review;
• Conducts assessment of client treatment needs;
• Develops appropriate treatment and/or service plans for clients; initiates evaluations, treatment referrals, and other services necessary for the formulation of alternative sentencing/disposition recommendations;
• Advises clients, attorneys, and Courts of available community resources;
• Presents recommendations for sentencing alternatives to Courts in written memorandum, sworn testimony, and/or other communication;
• Maintains professional collaborations with mental health practitioners, treatment providers, state/county corrections and social service agencies;
• Identifies appropriate community resources per individualized client needs;
• Promotes the overall mission of the Board of Public Defense to the community at large;
• Other duties and professional development as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of research and current evidence-based interventions for psychological behavioral and neurological disorders
• Knowledge and understating of Minnesota law governing mitigation
• Knowledge and understanding of Minnesota correctional facilities and probation services
• Thorough understanding of the criminal justice system

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficient interviewing skills for obtaining information regarding clients
• Skilled in utilizing community resources to identify available and relevant services for clients

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients
• Ability to synthesize psychological, psychiatric and chemical dependency diagnoses as set forth in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders
• Ability to acknowledge cultural and socio-economic impact on clients

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Behavioral Sciences, Criminal Justice or other Human Services related fields is required; AND
  • Minimum of two years of experience working in a related field.

The State of Minnesota offers benefits through the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). Benefits-eligible employees are entitled to the following insurance and pre-tax benefits:

Full time employee and part time employee benefits:

Medical insurance

Single coverage as low as $38.50 a month

Family coverage $262.66 a month

Dental insurance

Single coverage as low as $13.50 a month

Family coverage $55.40 a month

Basic Life insurance

6 week paid Parental Leave (eligible after 1 year of employment)

Retirement Savings

11 paid holidays

2 Floating holiday

Vacation and sick time along with leave of absence programs

Employee Assistance Program

Optional benefits:

Additional Life insurance for yourself, spouse and children

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Short and long-term disability insurance

Metro Pass

Deferred Compensation plan

Pre-tax expense accounts: dependent care account, medical and dental, transit expense