OPD is seeking a dynamic Recruitment and Engagement Specialist to oversee and strengthen our hiring, onboarding, talent development, and engagement initiatives.
The Orleans Public Defenders Office provides holistic, community-based representation in New Orleans. We represent thousands of people each year utilizing a client-centered team model that puts the client first and takes a 360 degree approach to our advocacy and representation. We recognize our clients are unique individuals and work to address their needs both in the court and out. Our diverse staff includes adult and juvenile attorneys; social workers; client, youth and parent advocates; investigators, and administrators all working together for equal justice for our clients, their families, our community, and a better New Orleans. In short, we protect innocence, defend the constitution, demand justice, and hold power accountable.
OPD is committed to providing zealous client-centered, community-oriented defense. Each client’s needs are supported by a dedicated legal team: attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers, and court support administrators.
Job Summary
The Client Services Division Supervisor oversees a key component of OPD’s client-centered representation offering holistic legal and social services to our clients and working for fair, community-oriented legal outcomes for our clients. The primary function of the Client Services Division Supervisor is to supervise social work and client advocacy in the Client Services Division, within a collaborative, team-based model of holistic advocacy for clients.
The Client Services Division Supervisor directly supervises all of the social workers in the Client Services Division, as well as the Client Services Division Deputy Supervisor, who in turn directly oversees the division’s client advocates. The Client Services Division Supervisor may also have a reduced caseload of clients as needed.
The Client Services Division Supervisor works with the Deputy Supervisor to coordinate the effective and conscientious delivery of services to OPD’s clients, including but not limited to:
• Conduct regular case management with all division social workers
• Monitor and balance the caseloads of all division staff
• Develop and maintain practice and resource materials to aid OPD case teams in the representation of clients
• Work with Client Services Division Deputy Supervisor to prepare narrative and statistical reports, documents and correspondence regarding goals, achievements and success of social work and client advocacy provided at OPD
• Identify and implement national best practices for the incorporation of social services in the context of indigent criminal defense
• Develop internal trainings for OPD staff regarding social work and social services
• Take lead on the recruitment, training, evaluation and retention of division staff
• Create and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations that advocate for individuals within OPD’s mission.
Applicant Qualifications
Applicants must have experience working with people from diverse cultural, racial and socioethnic backgrounds, and commitment to improving the lives of our clients and community. Other qualifications include the ability to remain organized, prioritize assignments, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with clients, colleagues, and external system actors. The ideal applicant will demonstrate comfort working in a high-volume, fast-paced legal environment and multi-tasking many different responsibilities, and will be able to work independently as well as in a team-driven environment.
Required
• LMSW Licensure by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (comparable credentials will be considered)
• At least three years of management or supervisory experience.
Preferred
• LCSW Licensure by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners
• Experience working with individuals impacted by the criminal legal system
Compensation
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits. Minimum salary is $72,500, with starting salary commesurate with experience and knowledge. OPD also offers a generous benefit package including full employer-paid health insurance coverage, employer retirement contribution to 401-a retirement plan, available life insurance coverage, as well as generous paid, sick, and parental leave.
To Apply: Qualified and interested applicants please complete the online application here and submit all of the following: cover letter explaining your interest in the position, resume, and three professional references. Application deadline is Friday, June 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. CST. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls.
OPD is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information.
OPD’s mission is to fight for our clients by providing excellent client-centered representation, reforming the system and partnering with the community. OPD is committed to representation that respects the humanity and dignity of those within the criminal legal system.
