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Office of Defense Services hiring graphic featuring the Lady Justice symbol, the ODS logo, and the text ‘We Are Hiring – Join a Team Committed to Justice and Community’ on a black and gold background

The Office of Defense Services (ODS) offers career opportunities for attorneys, legal assistants, legal administrative specialists, investigators, client intake specialists, forensic social and mitigation specialists, and administrative and information technology professionals. ODS fills jobs as they become vacant. For information about the ODS’ law clerk program and internships, please click on the links at the bottom of this section.

ODS will send an electronic confirmation after your resume is received. ODS will keep your resume on file for 12 months. As positions become available, ODS will review your resume to see if you meet the requirements for the vacant position(s).

Benefits | Internships | Law Clerk Programs

Statewide Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a Peer Parent Advocate to work within a multi-disciplinary team on behalf of parents engaged in child welfare proceedings in Sussex County. This position would provide support and perspective from someone with “lived experience” in the child welfare system – having experienced the removal of their children and successful reunification.

Essential Functions

The Peer Parent Advocate will serve as a vital component of a parent’s legal defense team, including an Assistant Parent Defender and Parent Engagement Social Worker. The Peer Parent Advocate’s role will be to provide support and guidance from an experienced perspective while the parent works on their case plan and strives for reunification with their child.

Essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Working closely with the parent to help achieve reunification as quickly as possible;
  • Providing parents with practical support and information – including up-to-date information on available community resources;
  • Working closely with the parent engagement social worker as a component of the parent client’s legal defense team;
  • Attending hearings in Family Court;
  • Advocating for the parent at various meetings with key stakeholders;
  • Keeping adequate records and data for each case;
  • Assisting the parent in accessing and maintaining enrollment in services;
  • Providing non-judgmental and trauma-informed support for parents as they navigate the child welfare system.

Job Requirements for Peer Advocate

An ideal Peer Parent Advocate is one who has achieved successful custodial reunification with their child(ren) following legal removal.  Candidates who have navigated Family Court hearings, case planning, and the challenging child welfare legal system as a Respondent are encouraged to apply. Those who have experienced an investigation, safety planning, or other types of child welfare system interaction will also be considered.

Required qualifications include:

  • Child welfare experience as a parent;
  • Clear understanding of the dynamics of substance use disorder, mental health, domestic violence, and poverty-related issues;
  • Experience working with marginalized communities and a commitment to social justice;
  • Ability to work independently, respectfully, and collaboratively with all stakeholders – including lawyers, non-lawyers, social workers, and staff;
  • Familiarity with community-based resources (this position is primarily based in Sussex County, Delaware).

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience in advocacy, social work, case management, or peer support
  • Independent transportation
  • Knowledge of Sussex County, Delaware and surrounding areas

Benefits

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

Additional Employment Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Friday, December 19, 2025.

New Castle County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our Kent County office in a full-time capacity defending clients in Kent County. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a felony trial caseload in the Superior Court and will also encompass defending clients at violation of probation hearings, specialty court proceedings, and other court calendars as needed.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_Attorney_Recruitment@delaware.gov. Please indicate which county you are interested in applying to.

Application end date: Until filled

Kent County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to fill a full-time position as an attorney in Kent County, based in the Dover office.  To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include a misdemeanor caseload in the Court of Common Pleas or Family Court, and will also encompass violation of probation hearings, specialty courts, and other court calendars as needed. Court assignment to be completed upon hire and dependent upon experience.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_Attorney_Recruitment@delaware.gov. Please indicate which county you are interested in applying to.

Application end date: Until filled

Sussex County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to fill a full-time position as an attorney in Sussex County, based in the Georgetown office.  To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Job duties will primarily include either a misdemeanor and or felony caseload in the Court of Common Pleas, Family Court or Superior Court, and will also encompass violation of probation hearings, specialty courts, and other court calendars as needed. Court assignment to be completed upon hire and dependent upon experience.

Applicants with experience in criminal law are preferred. Applicants without experience in criminal law but with a strong interest in the field and litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. The salary is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short-Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.
  • Student loan repayment assistance and forgiveness

Additional Posting Information

The Office of Defense Services The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Conditions of Hire

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_Attorney_Recruitment@delaware.gov. Please indicate which county you are interested in applying to.

Application end date: Until filled

C/S Legal Administrative Specialist

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic entry level Legal Administrative Specialist to fill a casual seasonal role within Sussex County based at our Georgetown office. This position will provide receptionist services for the office. In addition to this, the position may be assigned a Court and Assistant Public Defender’s with the necessary legal and administrative support in providing quality, constitutionally mandated, indigent defense services.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

  • Greets visitors, clients, and other guests, ensuring adherence to the office’s safety and professionalism expectations.
  • Receiving/transferring incoming phone callsEstablishes and maintains case files.
  • Reviews legal/court documents for completeness and accuracy.
  • Compiles and evaluates facts to complete program, legal, and/or court documents.
  • Provides administrative reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures.
  • Review’s state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.
  • Data entry into various software programs, particularly in support of the agencies Family Court cases and clients
  • Additional duties may be assigned.

Job Requirements for Legal Administrative Specialist

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher.
  2. Knowledge of legal terminology.

OR

  1. One year of experience in coordinating office activities such as planning/coordinating meetings or conferences; tracking workflow and follow up; composing meeting notes; directing clients/customers; explaining services to the public and customers/clients; establishing or maintaining filing/record systems.
  2. One year of experience in document processing which includes reviewing and evaluating records for completeness and conformity with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures, resolve deficiencies, interpret information, and track and monitor activities.
  3. One year of experience in using standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets or databases.
  4. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.
  5. Knowledge of legal terminology. 

Benefits

This is a Casual/Seasonal position, currently approved to work up to 29.75 hours per week and is a non-pension eligible position without healthcare and/or other benefits. 

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Tuesday, January 13, 2025.

Anticipated start date: Wednesday, January 21, 2025.

Forensic Social Specialist

The Office of Defense Service’s Public Defender Unit is seeking a highly motivated, organized, master’s level human service professional for a full-time Forensic Social Specialist position in the Sussex County Forensic Social Services (FSS) Unit.

Essential Functions

The Forensic Social Specialist will provide assessment, mitigation and treatment service referrals to Public Defender clients. The Forensic Social Specialist will provide mitigation and support services to assist the attorneys in gathering background information, conducting evaluations, providing mitigation and implementing treatment and alternative sentencing plans as part of the Public Defender defense team.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class:

  • Interviews clients, family members, treatment providers and DOC personnel
  • Provides support services, which can include referrals to mental health treatment, employment, and housing services
  • Coordinates with community-based treatment providers and the criminal justice system
  • Writes mitigation reports and treatment plans for case resolution
  • Gathers and reviews records and assists with reentry efforts
  • Collaborates with attorneys as members of the defense team

Job Requirements

The candidate must possess:

  • A Master’s Degree in a human service field
  • Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills and clinical skills.
  • The ability to recognize and analyze problems and recommend practical solutions.
  • Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques
  • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-driven environment
  • Skill and ability in managing multiple projects at once.

Benefits

  • Group Health Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, Prescription, Flexible Spending, Long & Short Term Disability Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance, Securian Accident & Critical Illness Insurance, Health Management Programs.
  • 21 paid vacation days, 15 paid sick days, and 12 paid holidays, up to 12 weeks paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program: Access to support services such as Professional Counseling Services, Legal Services, Financial Services.
  • Employer & Employee Funded Pension Plan as well as an Employee Funded Retirement Savings Plan available.

Conditions of Hire

The Office of Defense Services is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required.

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via email to ODS_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS6

Anticipated start date: Monday, February 22, 2026



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