Forensic Social Workers

OSPD social workers investigate our clients’ lives, bear witness to their experiences, and through their mitigation advocacy, breathe life into the narrative of how those experiences brought our clients before the criminal courts. They advocate for humane treatment of the accused and support the process of releasing our clients from jails and detention centers.

Public Defender Social Workers serve as part of the defense team and, as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Public Defender Social Workers perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the direction of the defense attorney.

Positions in this class require a master’s degree from an accredited college or university educational program in social work, and licensure to practice social work (LSW) or willingness and ability to obtain licensure within 90 days of employment.

Group photo of Denver Trial Office Social Workers

Applying for a Position

Social workers are hired by individual regional offices. To apply for an opening, applicants will be asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the Office Head and Office Manager for the regional trial office. Please see job postings for more information.

Forensic Social Work Internships

Many Colorado Public Defender offices offer forensic social work internships. Forensic social work internships are unpaid and require affiliation with an accredited educational institution.

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