Program Information Monterey County Public Defender's Office
Vision
The County of Monterey Public Defender’s Office provides a client-centered practice giving a voice to those most vulnerable in our community. We fight for those who cannot afford to fight for themselves. We use all available resources to ensure each client receives excellent and individualized representation. By fighting for the individual client, we protect the constitutional rights of all.
Mission Statement
The mission of the County of Monterey Public Defender’s Office is to effectively, efficiently, and zealously defend the Constitutional and statutory rights of indigent defendants, juveniles, and community members in criminal and post sentence relief, and limited civil proceedings, by developing strong attorney-client relationships, and by working with our Public Safety Partners, community members and organizations to insure our clients will thrive as members of Monterey County thereby promoting a thriving, safe and secure environment.
Services
The Monterey County Public Defender provides legal representation for adults and juveniles who are charged with felony and misdemeanor criminal offenses and are unable to afford counsel. Attorneys represent clients in trial courts, juvenile court, collaboration and specialty courts, probate and mental health courts. The Monterey County Public Defender also has a post sentence relief division providing an opportunity for potential expungement of criminal records.
If you have been charged with a crime and cannot afford an attorney, you will be assigned an attorney from the Public Defender’s Office. Our office’s practice consists predominantly of criminal defense litigation. We defend adults and juveniles charged with crimes ranging from petty-theft to capital murder. The office also defends individuals subject to involuntary psychiatric civil commitments and conservatorships.
Additionally, our office represents individuals in certain specialty or collaborative courts, such as homeless court, drug court and mental health court. Most collaborative courts look to alternatives to incarceration in order to provide individuals with the services and treatment that they need.
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:
• 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 work:
• Opportunity to compassionately support clients and their families
• 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 in this job:
• Fast-paced environment
• Meeting mandated deadlines (such as from court)
• Navigating limited resources/services while meeting clients' identified goals and needs
Concentration:
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Public Administration/ Non-profit Management
Format of Service:
- Remote Service
- In-Person Service
Type of Service:
- Direct Client Service
- Indirect Service
The following CHHS Competencies that the student will be exposed to:
- Collaboration
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Personal & Professional Communication
Pre-Arraignment Screening and Intake Focus Internship
This role within the Proposition 47, Cohort IV initiative addresses the mental health and substance abuse needs of justice-involved individuals who face barriers to receiving evaluations while in custody due to the suspension of Medi-Cal benefits, known as the "lockout."
The position ensures that individuals receive timely pre-arraignment assessments, equipping the arraignment attorney to advocate for their release and enabling clients to access treatment immediately upon release. Students will assist in conducting these screenings, developing comprehensive evaluations of needs, recommending treatment programs, and collaborating with legal teams to support alternatives to incarceration.
Key Responsibilities: Participate in pre-arraignment screenings, intake assessments, and case planning meetings to identify alternatives to incarceration and connect clients to community-based resources.
Assist in conducting biopsychosocial assessments focused on identifying mental health and substance abuse needs, particularly for individuals eligible for mental health diversion and substance abuse treatment.
Collaborate with legal professionals to prepare comprehensive reports for court, equipping attorneys with the information needed to advocate for diversion and early release.
Assist in post-release follow-ups to ensure continuity of care, including monitoring participation in mental health and substance abuse programs and facilitating connections to wraparound services.
Document client assessments, care plans, and progress in specialized software systems to maintain up-to-date records and support the overall diversion process.
Desired Intern Characteristics:
Strong interest in criminal justice reform, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse populations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for case management and report preparation.
Ability to work collaboratively with legal and healthcare professionals in a fast-paced environment.
Compassionate, client-centered approach to supporting justice-impacted individuals.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Special Considerations: This role requires a commitment to working with vulnerable populations who may face significant mental health and substance abuse challenges. Students will work in a fast-paced environment with tight court-mandated deadlines, requiring strong time management skills. Transportation may be required for meetings or appointments, with the possibility of using county-provided vehicles.
Interprofessional Opportunities Available for the Student:
Engage with legal professionals to understand court processes.
Engage with legal professionals to understand mental health diversion and substance abuse treatment.
Collaboration with other governmental and non-governmental agencies to evaluate clients and develop release and care plans.
Opportunities to network with community-based service providers, including mental health and substance abuse specialists.
Exposure to public health, social work, and criminal justice sectors, gaining experience in interprofessional teamwork for holistic defense.
Trainings Required: The following training sessions and regular staff meetings are mandatory and critical to maintaining the high standards required for the program’s success and ensuring that all deliverables under Prop 47 Cohort IV are met.
Initial Orientation and Onboarding:
Students will participate in an orientation session to familiarize them with the goals and operations of the Proposition 47 Cohort IV Pre-Arraignment Screening and Intake. This training will cover the program’s objectives, client-centered approaches, legal frameworks around diversion, and the Medi-Cal "lockout" issue, with a focus on how the program addresses barriers to care for incarcerated individuals.
Biopsychosocial Assessment Training:
Students will receive specialized training on how to conduct biopsychosocial assessments, including identifying mental health and substance abuse needs. This training will also focus on the documentation process, ensuring they are skilled in using the required software systems for tracking client progress.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care Planning:
Training will cover the development of individualized care plans, referrals to treatment programs, and integration of community-based resources. This is crucial for ensuring students can identify appropriate treatment options and advocate for alternatives to incarceration.
Legal Collaboration and Court Report Writing:
Students will be trained to collaborate with legal professionals, focusing on preparing thorough court reports and understanding the court’s requirements for mental health diversion and substance abuse treatment. This ensures that assessments and care plans are aligned with court needs to advocate for client release.
Ongoing Case Reviews and Team Meetings:
Regular case review meetings will be held with the entire interdisciplinary team, including legal professionals and social workers. These meetings provide opportunities to discuss case progress, address challenges, and coordinate holistic care plans. Participation in these meetings is essential for ensuring that the mental health and substance abuse diversion process runs smoothly.
Wraparound Support and Post-Release Follow-Up:
Students will receive training on ensuring continuity of care post-release, including follow-up strategies for clients to remain engaged in mental health and substance abuse programs. This training will emphasize the importance of wraparound services in helping clients reintegrate into their communities.
Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Care:
To support justice-involved individuals effectively, staff are required to undergo training in cultural competency and trauma-informed care. This ensures that students are equipped to engage with clients from diverse backgrounds and with significant mental health and substance abuse histories in a compassionate and respectful manner.
Concentration:
- Social Work
- Community Health
- Public Administration/ Non-profit Management
Format of Service:
- Remote Service
- In-Person Service
Type of Service:
- Direct Client Service
- Indirect Service
The following CHHS Competencies that the student will be exposed to:
- Collaboration
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Information Management
- Knowledge of Health & Human Services (SW or CH)
- Leadership
- Personal & Professional Communication
- Professional Development
PAID Internship