Caseworker

Texas RioGrande Public Defender

. Provide peer support for individuals involved in the criminal legal system who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges while navigating incarceration, bond, probation, and court-ordered conditions .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeBeeville • Texas • United StatesJunior💰 $45,000 - $60,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates lived experience with mental health, substance use, and the criminal legal system, providing peer support and advocacy for individuals navigating legal challenges. Utilizes trauma-informed practices and effective communication to connect clients with necessary resources and ensure confidentiality.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Peer SupportTrauma-Informed PracticesAdvocacyEffective ListeningCollaboration with Social Service Providers

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

DocumentationSocial History GatheringCourt TestimonyMitigating Information DevelopmentResource Connection

Soft Skills

Nonjudgmental ApproachPositive InteractionsPerson-Centered Practices

Industry Keywords

Behavioral Health ChallengesCriminal Legal SystemIncarcerationProbationTrauma

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide peer support for individuals involved in the criminal legal system who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges while navigating incarceration, bond, probation, and court-ordered conditions
Assist attorneys with gathering clients’ social histories and developing mitigating information
Collaborate with local mental health authorities and social service providers to connect individuals to appropriate resources, including rehabilitation programs, shelters, and other programs
Ensure privacy and confidentiality of information learned or received within the peer relationship
Complete required documentation promptly
Work with assigned attorneys to advocate for clients with the Court, Prosecutors, Probation, and other outside entities
Use a nonjudgmental approach, effective listening, positive interactions, person-centered practices, and trauma-informed practices
Develop proposals for alternatives to incarceration during the pretrial or post-conviction phase
Testify in court on behalf of clients when appropriate
Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

One year or more clean and sober
No current open cases with law enforcement
Must be off parole
High School diploma or G.E.D.
Lived experience with challenges around mental health, substance use, disabilities, and/or trauma
Lived experience with the criminal legal system