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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.

If you are interested in working at the ODS, please email a cover letter and resume to ODS human resources ODS_HR@delaware.gov. 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, September 5, 2025.

Anticipated start date: Monday, October 6, 2025.

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant to fill a full-time role within the Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) based in the New Castle County office. This position will provide assigned Assistant Public Defenders with the necessary legal and administrative support in providing high-quality indigent defense services to parent clients facing Division of Family Services involvement.

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:

  • Acts in liaison capacity between various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, Petitioner (DFS), Respondents, Child Advocates, witnesses, and client service-providers to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
  • Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from the preliminary protective hearing through permanency, termination of parental rights, and any other substantive legal proceeding involving parent clients whose children are in the custody of the Division of Family Services, including appellate work.
  • Understands and participates in the multi-disciplinary approach to high-quality parent representation, including collaboration with the Assistant Parent Defender, Parent Engagement Social Worker, and Peer Parent Advocate;
  • Interviews involved parties such as parent clients, witnesses, family supports, service providers, or medical personnel to gather discovery material, evidence for case preparation, and to complete various legal and/or court documents.
  • Reviews various reports as well as other information such as Division of Family Services records, police reports, medical reports, service provider records, and any other relevant documentary evidence; summarizes pertinent details of the case for Assistant Parent Defenders; follows up as necessary for additional documents; drafts answers to litigation complaints and motion responses; issue subpoenas to obtain relevant records; serves and prepares discovery; and makes required redactions for discovery and case preparation.
  • Reviews law sources such as case law, judicial decisions, statute law, codes, regulations, and legal and subject matter articles to ensure issues are properly cited and provides superior with written details of similar cases including findings, judicial decisions, and memorandum/opinions of law.
  • Prepares legal pleadings, e.g. briefs, motions, indictments, information and appeals.
  • Provides reports and recommendations for new/revised operating policies/procedures.
  • Reviews state and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance of legal actions/processes.

Job Requirements for Legal Assistant:

  • Three years of employment with the Office of Defense Services in a similar capacity;

OR

  • Possession of an Associate’s degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program;

OR

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field;

OR

  • Three years’ experience in preparing and maintaining legal documents and case files.
  • Three years’ experience in legal research such as researching statutes, regulations, case law and background information.
  • Three years’ experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Two years’ experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
  • Two years’ experience in interviewing using structured or unstructured interview techniques to obtain facts, explore issues and identify courses of action.
  • Proficient in all internal and external computer programs related to job duties, including but not limited to: Sharepoint, Word, Outlook, JIC, DELJIS, and E-Filing desired not essential.

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.

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_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Interviews in progress

Anticipated start date: Monday, November 17,2025

New Castle County Open Positions

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our Wilmington office in a full-time capacity defending clients in New Castle 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_HR@delaware.gov.

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_HR@delaware.gov

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_HR@delaware.gov

Application end date: Until filled

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

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.

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 Employment

  • 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.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving). A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire and to maintain employment.

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

Application end date: Monday, October 20, 2025.

Anticipated start date: Monday, November 3, 2025.

Legal Assistant Supervisor

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant Supervisor/Office Manager to fill a full-time role within Sussex County Public Defenders Office. The successful applicant will be responsible for providing technical leadership, guidance, and training to office Legal Assistants and Legal Administrative Specialists and other support staff as required.   

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:

  • Establishes and maintains case files ensuring that the files contain complete and accurate information essential to each step of the proceedings from pre-hearing and/or pre-trial through trial and sentencing.
  • Plans, assigns, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff; determines initial and on-going development needs of staff through on-the-job training or the use of outside resources.
  • Collects and compiles statistical data; prepares narrative, statistical, and unit activity reports.
  • Acts in liaison capacity between superior and various interested parties and judicial and/or court staff, clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, law enforcement agents, elected and/or appointed officials and the public to gather, clarify and provide information regarding case facts and status.
  • Monitors, evaluates, collects and analyzes section/division data. Determines if goals and objectives are met and recommends solutions/improvements based on findings.
  • Provides administrative support to the supervising attorney in evaluating, analyzing, recommending and implementing unit policies, procedures and systems regarding staffing and special projects
  • Advises and consults with the supervising attorney on management and administrative problems and issues
  • Maintain weekly and monthly schedules for attorneys and administrative staff
  • Exhibit Mastery of the daily operations of CCP, Superior, and Family Courts, as well as tangential interactions with JP Courts and the Delaware Supreme Court.
  • Coordinate facility maintenance and maintain office supplies.
  • Perform other tasks as required and directed by management.

Job Requirements for Legal Assistant Supervisor:

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

  1. Possession of an Associate’s degree (or anticipated graduation date within six months) or certificate in Paralegal Studies from an ABA or Department approved program OR Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, or a related field (or anticipated graduation date within six months).
  2. Five years’ experience in drafting legal documents such as legal briefs or memoranda of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
  3. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
  4. Knowledge of facilities planning such as developing facilities management plans based on the evaluation and analysis of usage, structures, and other facilities.

OR

  1. Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree.
    1. Three years’ experience in drafting legal documents and such as legal briefs or memoranda             of law including presenting facts, setting out and analyzing legal issues and applying legal precedents.
    1. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training          provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others;             OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the      work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.
    1. Knowledge of facilities planning such as developing facilities management plans based on the evaluation and analysis of usage, structures, and other facilities.

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.

Conditions of Employment

A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire and to maintain employment.

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.

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

Application end date: Wednesday, October 20, 2025.

Anticipated start date: Monday, November 3, 2025.



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