is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office in Wayne County and we invite you to join our team as we represent our clients with excellence. Building on 30 years of experience of providing high quality representation, we are expanding our efforts to bring the same caliber of representation to families impacted by the child welfare system in Wayne County. We are seeking a team of highly organized, self-driven, and resilient individuals dedicated to our mission.

The Civil Defense Practice at NDS Detroit represents clients  in landlord-tenant issues, misdemeanor and ordinance violations in district courts, housing issues, immigration issues, assistance in obtaining public benefits, driver’s license restoration, obtaining social security benefits, guardianships, divorce,

resolution of domestic violence issues, substance abuse issues, assistance in providing supplemental parent support, and other ancillary matters pertaining to the resolution of matters with respect to the parent’s involvement with the Court and ancillary matters.  At NDS Detroit, clients and their families will have access to a suite of holistic legal and social services to address their complex needs.

The Social Worker is an integral part of the defense team who demonstrates a commitment to serving marginalized persons and communities. The Social Worker will help shape our present and future— contributing to a collaborative environment and culture of excellence in alignment with our values. At NDS Detroit, how we represent our clients is as important as individual case outcomes and our ideal Social Worker approaches the cultivation of a positive office culture and the representation of indigent clients with equal rigor and commitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Embrace NDS’ philosophy of client-centered, community-based, holistic representation and commitment to excellence by providing vigorous representation with energy and enthusiasm to the residents of Wayne County.
2. Work closely and collaboratively with team members to advocate for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration for clients. This advocacy includes:
3. Gathering factual mitigation through interviews and obtaining records;
4. Analyzing records;
5. Writing persuasive memoranda to judges seeking beneficial opportunities for clients and better case outcomes.
6. Work closely with clients to:
7. Make appropriate referrals to address clients’ social service needs (drug treatment, mental health treatment, housing and other benefits);
8. Assist clients in navigating social service agencies;
9. Advocate on behalf of clients to social service agencies.
10. Advocate orally and in writing on behalf of clients to judges, programs, and opposing counsel.
11. Work primarily at NDS’ main office when not in Court.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will bring:

1. A demonstrated commitment to criminal justice, family defense, indigent defense, racial equity and social justice issues and to the Wayne County communities we serve.
2. Experience advocating for clients in a direct client services context. Experience in a public defender, family defense, or civil legal services office is a plus.
3. An understanding of social casework objectives, principles and methods; casework management and organization; community resources; and interviewing techniques and problem-solving methodology.