Social Work Supervisor in Child Advocacy

Make a difference! Become a Defender! 

The Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Social Work Supervisor to lead a dedicated team of social workers. This is a critical leadership role for someone committed to our twofold mission of strengthening families and collaborating with attorneys to protect the legal rights and promote the best interest of dependent children. The social work supervisor will be responsible for direct supervision of a team of CAU social workers, assignment of cases, hiring and training of new social workers and assist with coverage of case loads as needed. We are looking for a leader with sound judgment and a proven ability to guide staff in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. If you are a strong communicator with a passion for mentorship and a deep commitment to child advocacy, we want to hear from you. This is more than a job; it's a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

What You’ll Do

• Timely assign new cases to unit members
• Facilitate monthly unit meetings
• Review of court reports and legal recommendations
• Be available to provide supervisory support for visits and meetings to assigned team social workers.
• Participate in case conferences when needed
• Conduct monthly supervision with team members.
• Provide opportunities for staff development
• Monitor case progress through regular case conversations with team members, review of case spreadsheets and CMS
• Actively participate in Leadership Team meetings, meetings of social service supervisors, quarterly social service team meetings, and CAU trainings.
• Process discharged files
• Provide regular performance evaluations
• Work with HR to address issues in a timely manner.   
• Assist with uncovered caseloads on occasion
• Performs other related duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

• MSW preferred or Masters in a related field with three years of experience in the child advocacy field required
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Computer literacy and proficiency with MS Office Suite (i.e. MSWord, Excel, Access, etc.) ability to design spreadsheets, and relevant Defender software such as CPCMS, DCM, AOPC PAC File system, JCM, and Creek Database systems, practice and procedures, or the ability to learn proper usage within 90 days etc.
• Knowledge of office administrative practices and procedures
• Ability to work well with others and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• General knowledge of the Dependency Court, Family Court, and Defender   Association procedures.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer programs
• Employment is contingent upon a background check consistent with the Defender's policies and applicable law. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant: relevant factors will be considered in accordance with legal requirements and the nature of the position. 

Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
• Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
• Retirement Savings Employer Match
• Paid parental leave
• Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
• Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
• Meaningful Work 
• Wellness Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

To apply

Salary is $90,000 with an excellent benefits package. Please apply online and include resume and cover letter detailing your interest and experience.

Who is the Defender Association? 

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers.

The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn. 

 The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.