Employment
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
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 Service’s Office of Conflicts Counsel (OCC) is seeking a highly motivated, organized, Master’s Level human service professional for a full-time Forensic Social Specialist contract position. Remote work is an option in this position, but some in-office time is required, and the ideal candidate will be familiar with Kent or Sussex County but could be located in any of the three Counties.
Essential Functions
The Forensic Social Specialist will provide assessment, mitigation and treatment service referrals to OCC 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 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 for Community Relations Coordinator
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
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.
Benefits
Contractual employees are not eligible to participate in any State of Delaware benefit programs. This includes paid vacation/sick leave, holiday pay, health insurance, or pension.
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: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Master Family Services Social Specialist – (#MUDD32)
$46,714.00 Yearly Min / $58,393.00 Yearly Mid / $70,072.00 Yearly Max
Summary Statement
This position oversees the ODS parental representation programs. 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.
May be required to perform emergency duty which requires being on call for an assigned time period.
- 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.
- 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 of 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.
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 Master Family Services Social Specialist
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
- 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, March 13, 2026.
New Castle County Open Positions
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 Legal Assistant
The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic Legal Assistant to fill a full-time role within the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas Unit based at the Wilmington office. This position will provide assigned 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Interviews involved parties such as clients, defendants, plaintiffs, victims, witnesses, arresting officers, 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 police reports, medical reports, retail, surveillance, computer files/electronic documents, body worn camera and video/audio; summarizes pertinent details of the case for Assistant Public Defenders; follows up as necessary for additional documents; drafts answers to litigation complaints and responses to form 30 interrogatories; issue subpoenas to obtain medical, insurance, and employment 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
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- 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: April 23, 2026
Anticipated start date: May 3, 2026
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
