Temporary - Social Worker - Legal Advocate

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, provide social work services to clients and families.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Conducts psychosocial assessments.
• Develops and implements individual service or treatment plans.
• Provides case management, maintains documentation, and compiles data and informational reports.
• Provides information and referrals, as appropriate, and supports clients in connecting to appropriate resources.
• Supports clients in stabilization of bio-psychosocial functioning.
• Provides short-term crisis counseling and support.
• Documents services provided through the appropriate reporting methods.
• Keeps informed in best practices and community resources.
• Maintains clients’ records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of theoretical constructs of human development.
• Knowledge of community resources available for human development, therapeutic interventions, and/or support.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and counseling techniques used in trauma, grief, or crisis situations.
• Knowledge of social work theories.
• Knowledge of Federal and State program requirements for services to children, adolescents, and their families.
• Skill in effective oral and/or written communication.
• Skill in effective communication and dealing with the public.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City departments, employees, and the public.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Social Work.

OR

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to counseling individuals and case management services.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Licensed under the Regulation of Social Work Practitioners Act of the State of Texas and will be required to maintain during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing trauma-informed support services to victims of violent crime;
  
• Some knowledge of the criminal justice process and victims’ rights;
  
• Experience with translation/interpretation or working with individuals with limited English proficiency;
  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with law enforcement, prosecutors, and community-based service providers; and
  
• Strong communication and case management skills.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Location: 715 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Hours: 8:00am -5:00 pm; Monday-Friday

Payrate: $24.40- $28.42

Notes to Applicants

This position is funded through a grant supporting expanded legal advocacy services for victims of violent crime in partnership with the Austin Police Department Victim Services Division and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division. The goal of this program is to increase access to trauma-informed legal advocacy and support for crime victims navigating the criminal justice process.

Important Notes About Employment and Funding:

• This is a grant-funded position with funding currently authorized for the initial grant period. Continuation of the position beyond the grant term is contingent upon future funding availability.
• The position is classified as temporary full-time, with the potential for conversion to a permanent role based on program evaluation and funding decisions.
• Employees in this position will be assigned dual work locations at Austin Police Department Headquarters and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Work may also occur in community-based safe spaces as needed to meet with victims/survivors.
• The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet program and victim/survivor needs.
• This role requires maintaining confidentiality and professionalism when working with victims and survivors of violent crime.

Work Focus:

The Social Worker (Legal Advocate) will provide direct services to victims of violent crime, including:

• Courtroom accompaniment and legal advocacy;
• Assistance with transportation, translation/interpretation, and property recovery;
• Coordination of childcare or respite care for victims attending legal proceedings;
• Notification regarding key proceeding dates (such as trials, case dispositions, or parole hearings); and
• Support in completing victim impact statements and restitution advocacy.

Additional Information:

• Austin Police will serve as the fiscal agent and administrative manager for this position.
• Selected candidates will undergo a criminal background investigation as part of the hiring process.
• Applicants are encouraged to detail relevant experience in victim services, advocacy, or trauma-informed care in their application materials.

CBI:

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:

All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• APD must review all secondary employment.
  
• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with APD, as well as current APD employees considering Secondary employment.
  

Benefits:

Working with the Austin Police Department provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click here to find more information.

To learn more about working with the City of Austin, click here to watch a short video!

Travel:
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

This posting can close at any time after 7 days.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-03

• 

• City of Austin

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