Employment

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender – Post Disposition Unit

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our statewide practice in a full-time capacity to represent incarcerated individuals in litigation in our post-disposition unit. The attorney will counsel, investigate, prepare, and litigate petitions filed under 11 Del. C. §§ 4214 and 4217, pardon applications, motions for registry relief, expungement petitions, and other post-disposition applications as needed. This role demands deep knowledge of Delaware sentencing law, § 4217’s eligibility criteria and procedures, work with experts (especially medical), and strong client advocacy skills. This role will handle cases statewide.

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:

Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility under 11 Del. C. § 4217 (compassionate release motions for modification of sentence).
Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility under 11 Del. C. § 4214 (habitual offender motions for modification of sentence).
Screen and evaluate potential clients for eligibility for expungement.
Screen and evaluate potential clients for application before the Board of Pardons.
Screen and evaluate clients for any other post-disposition filings as needed.
Collect and review institutional, sentencing, disciplinary, and medical records for individuals serving Level V sentences.
Retain and coordinate expert witnesses (medical, psychological, correctional, and risk-assessment professionals) to substantiate claims of serious illness, age-related infirmity, or rehabilitation.
Prepare and file motions and petitions, supporting memoranda, exhibits, and proposed orders in Delaware Superior Court, Family Court, Board of Pardons, and/or any other decision-making tribunal as required.
Advise clients and their families on procedural steps, eligibility standards, and evidentiary requirements.
Maintain consistent and empathetic communication with clients, including phone, video, or in-person visits at state correctional facilities.
Collaborate with the Department of Correction (DOC), medical providers, and community-based organizations as required by statute or court order.
Advocate at hearings, respond to opposition from the State, and handle subsequent motions or rehearing requests when permitted.
Coordinate with reentry and support-service organizations to assist clients in successful reintegration following release.
Track legislative, judicial, and policy developments related to 11 Del. C. § 4217 implementation.
Maintain accurate documentation, case management records, and timely reporting of all activities.
Review post-disposition portal referrals.
Attend and participate in post-disposition clinics.
Collaborate on cases with defense team members.
Attend Post-Disposition Unit meetings 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. To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar, or must be a graduate of an accredited law school and committed to sitting for the upcoming administration of the Delaware bar examination.

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

Anticipated Fill Date: October 5, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender in the Parental Representation

The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney in a full-time capacity to defend clients in the Family Court. The position may be based in New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County but will be required to travel to all three counties.

The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians. Parental defense attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The incumbent will represent clients in all adversarial proceedings from the Preliminary Protective Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights Trial and any appeals. Additional job duties may include: engaging in motion practice, research and writing; developing and maintaining client relationships; reviewing relevant documents and records; collaborating with forensic social specialists, criminal defense attorneys, peer support specialists, experts, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Applicants with experience in family law and child welfare proceedings are preferred. Applicants without experience in family law or child welfare proceedings but with a strong interest in the field and/or litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. Salary is dictated by Delaware Office of Defense Services Assistant Public Defender Matrix and Pay Plan.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability 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-9 information 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.

Anticipated Fill Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

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

Upon eligibility benefits to include:

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 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: Until position filled

The Office of Defense Services’ Public Defender’s Office seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney to join our New Castle County 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_Attorney_Recruitment@delaware.gov. Please indicate which county you are interested in applying to.

Application end date: Until filled

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender in the Parental Representation

The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney in a full-time capacity to defend clients in the Family Court. The position may be based in New Castle County, but occasional travel to all counties will be required.

The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians. Parental defense attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The incumbent will represent clients in all adversarial proceedings from the Preliminary Protective Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights Trial and any appeals. Additional job duties may include: engaging in motion practice, research and writing; developing and maintaining client relationships; reviewing relevant documents and records; collaborating with forensic social specialists, criminal defense attorneys, peer support specialists, experts, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Applicants with experience in family law and child welfare proceedings are preferred. Applicants without experience in family law or child welfare proceedings but with a strong interest in the field and/or litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. Salary is dictated by Delaware Office of Defense Services Assistant Public Defender Matrix and Pay Plan.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability 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-9 information 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.

Anticipated Fill Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Client Intake Specialist in New Castle County

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Client Intake Specialist to fill a full-time role within the New Castle County Intake Unit based in Wilmington, DE. The Client Intake Specialist is the first interaction clients have with the Office of Defense Services, professionalism, people skills, and confidentiality are critical.

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:

Conduct in-person, telephone, and virtual interviews.
Assist clients in completing eligibility forms.
Entering initial information into a case management database
Answering the main switchboard and directing callers to staff and making referrals.
Processing office files by updating information in a database.
Creating and sending form letters.
Responds to client phone calls and correspondence in a professional and timely manner.
Perform preliminary analysis and check for case conflicts.
Perform administrative tasks.
Interpreting/translating (assuming additional language fluency).
Perform other tasks as required and directed by supervisory staff.

Job Requirements for Client Intake 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.

OR

1. One year experience in a Customer Service, Behavioral, or Social Science related field.

2. One year experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

3.Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques.

4. Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills.

5. Six months experience in record keeping.

6. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

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.

English/Spanish bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

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-9 information 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.

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: August 26, 2026

Anticipated start date: September 21, 2026

Casual Seasonal Client Intake Specialist

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Client Intake Specialist to fill a casual seasonal role within the within New Castle County based at our Leonard L. William Courthouse. The Client Intake Specialist is the first interaction clients have with the Office of Defense Services, professionalism, people skills, and confidentiality are critical.

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:

Conduct in-person, telephone, and virtual interviews.
Assist clients in completing eligibility forms.
Entering initial information into a case management database
Answering the main switchboard and directing callers to staff and making referrals.
Processing office files by updating information in a database.
Creating and sending form letters.
Responds to client phone calls and correspondence in a professional and timely manner.
Perform preliminary analysis and check for case conflicts.
Perform administrative tasks.
Interpreting/translating (assuming additional language fluency).
Perform other tasks as required and directed by supervisory staff.

Job Requirements for Client Intake 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 in a Behavioral or Social Science field.

AND

1. One year experience in a Behavioral or Social Science related field.

2. One year experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

3.Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable interviewing techniques.

4. Strong assessment, writing, speaking, interpersonal skills.

5. Six months experience in record keeping.

6. Six months experience in using an automated information system to enter, update, modify, delete, retrieve/inquire and report on data.

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.

English/Spanish bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

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.

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: August 28, 2026.

Anticipated start date: September 8, 2026.

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

Full-Time Assistant Public Defender in the Parental Defense Division

The Office of Defense Services’ Office of Parental Representation (“OPR”) seeks a motivated and enthusiastic attorney in a full-time capacity to defend clients in the Family Court. The position may be based in Kent, but occasional travel to all counties will be required.

The Parental Defense Division protects and advances the rights of parents and/or legal guardians. Parental defense attorneys represent parents and/or legal guardians whose children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their care and custody by the State. The incumbent will represent clients in all adversarial proceedings from the Preliminary Protective Hearing to the Termination of Parental Rights Trial and any appeals. Additional job duties may include: engaging in motion practice, research and writing; developing and maintaining client relationships; reviewing relevant documents and records; collaborating with forensic social specialists, criminal defense attorneys, peer support specialists, experts, and others as part of a multidisciplinary defense team.

To qualify, the attorney must be admitted, or pending admission, to the Delaware Bar. Applicants with experience in family law and child welfare proceedings are preferred. Applicants without experience in family law or child welfare proceedings but with a strong interest in the field and/or litigation experience are also encouraged to apply. Salary is dictated by Delaware Office of Defense Services Assistant Public Defender Matrix and Pay Plan.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability 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-9 information 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.

Anticipated Fill Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Master Family Services Social Specialist – (#MUDD32)

Summary statement

The main functions of this position include coordinating and monitoring the delivery of professional social services to children, youth and families; or adult special populations and families; to resolve problems involving client abuse, neglect, dependency, anti-social behavior, exploitation and family dysfunction, which may include economically disadvantaged clients. This position will work in collaboration with the Parental Representation Division throughout the State of Delaware for individuals who have been justice involved.

Nature and Scope

The incumbent reports to the Parental Representation Program Coordinator. Principal contacts are with parents, managers, line attorneys, and staff throughout the office. Externally, the incumbent will have contact with the community program managers in other state agencies and third-party providers. The ODS Master Family Services Social Specialist will be responsible for providing technical expertise to other staff as well as directly providing case coordination and counseling to children, youth and families; or adult special populations and families. Incumbents work in program support, child protective, child mental health, youth rehabilitation or adult protective agencies. Employees are responsible for the development of service plans for the most unusual and complex cases and for serving in an advisory capacity to other staff in the development of plans. Incumbents interact with treatment facility staff, courts, community based organizations and private agencies regarding clients’ problems and progress. An incumbent obtains case histories, prepares social assessments and determines eligibility for and availability of community resources encompassing multi-faceted needs of the clients. Incumbents are required to review service and/or treatment plans periodically, assessing progress and making the necessary adjustments to accomplish goals. An incumbent may specialize in a particular area of service or have responsibility for a small program area not involving supervisory responsibility. Employees may be required to assist the supervisor by overseeing the implementation of treatment plans by other staff. Securing client cooperation and developing effective interpersonal relationships and intervening in crisis situations are of major significance in this work.

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. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

Provides services to advocate for health, safety and welfare or rights of clients and their families and assists them in obtaining needed services.
Interviews clients and family members and/or professionals to gather personal, social and background information; works closely with the client and family to formulate a clear description of the client and family’s problems; identify the key forces which maintain the problems; discover resources and strengths available to the client and family to resolve the problems; and identify the blocks, if any, that prevent the client and family from resolving the problems without the intervention of the State agency.
Determines eligibility for various social service programs offered by the agency or available in the community.
In collaboration with the client and family, develops and implements service/treatment plans, outlining the goals and objectives to be accomplished, methods and techniques to be used, and anticipated results; helps the client and family to obtain community, social and/or therapeutic services and resources needed to accomplish plans and objectives.
Conducts individual and group counseling sessions with clients and members of the family to aid in achieving satisfactory social development and adjustment to specific problems and situations.
Assesses progress toward goals and makes recommendations on plans such as reclassification, discharge, aftercare, emergency protective placement in emergency or crisis situations, guardianship, petitions or options counseling.
Prepares social histories, client progress reports, evaluation and discharge summaries, court reports or petitions; prepares and maintains a variety of records and files pertaining to clients assigned to caseload.
Enforces court orders and conditions of community supervision as required. Attends court hearings and other judicial proceedings to answer questions, make recommendations and present progress reports regarding clients.
May be called upon to intervene in crisis situations such as potential suicides, assault and battery against clients, and sexual abuse cases. May coordinate with law enforcement and other emergency staff if needed. May be required to isolate and/or physically restrain clients who are acting out.
May be required to perform emergency duty which requires being on call for an assigned time period.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

Knowledge of human behavior, behavior deviations and impaired family functioning.
Knowledge of social, economic, psychological and health factors and the manner in which they may affect the social behavior of individuals and families.
Knowledge of the principles, theories, methods and techniques of individual, group and family counseling.
Knowledge of casework principles and practices used in the preparation of service/treatment plans and management of a varied caseload.
Knowledge of agencies, services and resources available in the community.
Skill in conducting interviews and investigations of a sensitive nature.
Skill in applying the pertinent laws, regulations and policies.
Skill in development of service/treatment plan.
Skill in family counseling.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, associates, social service representatives and the public.
Ability to recognize the symptoms of maladjusted behavior.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to provide guidance and direction regarding case management.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Job requirements for Parental Representation Program Coordinator

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

1. Applicants must possess at least one of the following:

Three years’ experience in professional health or human service work.

OR

Possession of an Associate’s degree AND two years’ experience in professional health or human service work.

OR

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

In addition to the above requirement, applicants must meet all of the job requirements below:

2. One year of experience in health or human services focusing on the safety and welfare of families such as identifying issues, barriers and goals; determining eligibility for and availability of community resources; assisting clients and their families in obtaining needed services; family conflict and crisis resolution and assessing progress towards goals.

3. Two years’ experience in case management such as assessing, planning, developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating options and services to meet an individual’s human service needs.

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 race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability 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-9 information 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: September 10, 2026

Anticipated Fill Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative Start Date)

Statewide Open Positions

New Castle County Open Positions

Kent County Open Positions

Sussex County Open Positions

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