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)

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 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: August 26, 2026

Anticipated start date: September 21, 2026

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.

C/S Administrative Support Project

The Office of Defense Services seeks a highly motivated, organized, and enthusiastic individual to fill a casual seasonal role within the Office of Conflicts Counsel’s NCC office. This is a temporary position that will provide administrative support for a file retention and scanning project. It is anticipated this project will last approximately four months.

Essential Functions

Work with Chief Conflicts Counsel and Rule 61 Paralegal to identify files that have been designated for retention/scanning.
Organize files, remove staples, clips and other bindings.
Scan all contents of files, ensuring that both sides of all documents are scanned.
Upload digital file materials such as hard drives and discs to OCC database.
Upload, organize and label all newly scanned files and uploaded digital materials in OCC database.
Maintain list of files that have been scanned or designated for destruction.
Additional duties related to the project may be assigned.

Job Requirements for Administrative Support Project

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

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to lift and move full file boxes (approximately 40lbs).
Ability to use standard computer software programs for word processing, spreadsheets or databases.

Benefits

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

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

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

Application end date: August 30, 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)

Statewide Open Positions

New Castle County Open Positions

Kent County Open Positions

Sussex County Open Positions

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