Monterey County Public Defender

Program Information

Holistic Defense social workers are dedicated to the adult offender population and assist pre and post-sentenced inmates with a variety of needs including but not limited to:

• Writing biopsychosocial reports and assessments of clients: via in-person or zoom visits
• Identifying available social services in the community and connecting clients with them
• Identifying issues that may have led the person to involvement in the legal system
• Develop plans to help people reintegrate into their communities after incarceration
• Advocating for community-based solutions as alternatives to custody
• Ensuring that clients' treatment needs are adequately addressed
• Transporting clients to appointments (county car provided)
• Contributing to early release from jail by providing alternatives to incarceration: writing Mitigation reports
• Writing Franklin reports for clients currently in prison who are up for parole

We are looking for someone who has:
• Ability to learn and apply complex laws, rules, policies, and procedures to assist clients
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrated work with diverse clients of various ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, and mental and/or physical capabilities
• Ability to work with other professionals to meet the needs of a shared client
• Great communication skills
• Tech-savvy skills and ability to learn and use specialized software programs

A few reasons you might love this opportunity :
• Opportunity to compassionately support clients and their families
• Opportunities to focus on your passion and to meet with clients and community partners
• Work and network with dedicated professionals who share a passion for public service
• A supportive and respectful working environment that values work-life balance

A few challenges you might face:
• Fast-paced environment
• Meeting mandated deadlines (such as from court)
• Navigating limited resources/services while meeting clients' identified goals and needs
• Keeping up with many changing State mandates and policies

Health & Safety
Additional requirements and/or considerations
  • Background Check (e.g. fingerprinting/livescan, driving record)
Address 
168 W. Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901
United States
General Phone 
Student Contact 
Name
Donald Landis
Job Title
Assistant Public Defender
Phone
Email
(empty)
Program(s) 
Internship
Organization type 
Administrative Entity (Government)
Focus Population(s)
Adults, Children/Youth, Families, Non-specific/any population, Seniors, Veterans, Active Military and/or Military Families
Focus Area(s)
Animal Welfare, Education, Emergency Services & Public Safety, Food & Housing Security, Health & Medicine, Natural Resources, the Environment, and Ecosystems
Additional Focus Area(s)
Skill Development