Community Resources Case Manager

12 MONTH CONTRACT POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Community Resources Case Manager – Seattle/Tacoma, Washington

Announced: May 12, 2025

Closes: Priority given to applications received by May 31, 2025

Location: Downtown Seattle and/or Downtown Tacoma, WA

The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington (FPD) is accepting applications for a 12-month contractor position as a Community Resources Case Manager (CRCM). This position is primarily based in our Seattle office but does require occasional travel to our Tacoma office. The FPD operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide legal representation to people charged with committing federal crimes who cannot afford to hire an attorney. The Court appoints our attorneys to represent accused persons before charges are filed, upon arrest, for the appeals process, and through federal habeas corpus review. Candidates for the CRCM position should demonstrate a strong background in case management and community resource coordination and be committed to defending those accused of committing a crime even when the evidence against them may appear to be strong. The candidate should be self-motivated, resourceful, creative, client-centered, and demonstrate a commitment to social justice, promotion of equity, and anti-oppressive practices. We provide a vigorous defense at trial and, if our client is convicted, at sentencing and on appeal. The candidate will advocate for clients by developing release plans to present judges with fully developed views of our clients and their lives, not merely their charges. The candidate will support the office in providing a holistic approach to legal representation.

Responsibilities: This role consists of two main practice areas:

1. Case Management & Reentry/Release Planning: The CRCM provides intensive clinical case management services and advocacy for clients at all stages of their criminal cases by conducting needs assessments and making referrals to public benefits; housing; behavioral health, mental health and substance use treatment; employment; medical services, peer mentoring, and other services to meet basic needs.

The CRCM works with the defense team to propose alternatives to incarceration and develops release/reentry plans which include mobilization of the client’s support network, identifying community resources, reviewing client medical and behavioral health records, making referrals, and producing a written plan. At times, the CRCM may escort clients to appointments as needed and conduct field visits. The CRCM may also offer courtroom advocacy and support by attending hearings focused on release.

1. Community Resources Coordination & Development: The CRCM will forge partnerships with community agencies and update our publicly available resource database, as well as develop internal community resource guides and referral packets. The CRCM may participate in programs at the Federal Detention Center, Residential Reentry Center, and community groups/coalitions relevant to incarceration and reentry.

Selection Criteria: Prospective applicants should have a strong commitment to social justice and anti-racism, comfort in helping people accused of a crime (including sex offenses), a desire to work with clients managing mental illness and/or substance use challenges, a desire to do case management (rather than psychotherapy), strong ethics, and an interest in learning about holistic defense. The applicant should be a self-starter and know how to ask for help when needed. The applicant should be comfortable working on an interdisciplinary team and voicing their opinions. They should also be creative and flexible, as the role can shift throughout the year to meet the needs of the organization, as well as the needs of the client which are often urgent, unique, and challenging. Experience working with the criminal legal system, mental health and substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and treatment of trauma is desired. In this office, the CRCM is part of the legal team, meaning they will follow both the ethical guidelines of social workers and lawyers. Social workers are not mandated reporters in this role and are bound by attorney-client privilege. The applicant should possess strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Some of the CRCM’s written work product may be filed with the Court.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Western Washington and community resources.
• Comfortability forging new relationships with community agencies.
• Experience drafting release plans/advocacy reports.
• Spanish language skills are preferred but not required.

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive (including long distances). As a condition of the contract, candidates must be fingerprinted and complete a background check. A prior criminal conviction is not necessarily disqualifying.

Rate of compensation: $40/hour

Weekly Schedule: 32 to 40 hours per week

Office Hours: 8:00-4:30

Telework: Up to two days a week. In-office on Wednesdays

Contract start date: Preferred start date prior to July 31, 2025

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Our office values diversity, is committed to equity and inclusion, and aspires to create a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, openness, and humility that honors the people we represent. We believe representation is better when members of the defense team have diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek a candidate who shares this belief and commitment. We embrace the unique contributions our employees can bring to the FPD because of their backgrounds, social identities, and lived experiences. We are interested in applicants’ talent, intelligence, dedication, and persistence, and desire to see that all people are treated fairly and respectfully – no matter the allegation or circumstance. The FPD seeks applications from a diverse group of qualified individuals in terms of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, culture, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, education, opinions, age, languages spoken, veteran status, disability, religion, and socio-economic circumstance. We especially encourage applications from members of the BIPOC community, people who have been affected by the criminal legal system, and people from other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.