Capital Area Private Defender Service

Case Manager - Counsel at First Appearance (CAFA)

The Capital Area Private Defender Service (CAPDS) is a Managed Assigned Counsel program that manages the majority of indigent defense cases in Travis County. CAPDS uses a holistic defense model, placing the client at the center of representation Using a team-based interdisciplinary approach, mitigation specialists, experts, investigators, and immigration counsel collaborate with defense attorneys to enhance the quality of indigent defense services. As part of this system, CAPDS provides case management to clients facing criminal charges.

Travis County recently started the Counsel at First Appearance (CAFA) program. CAFA ensures that attorneys are available to represent clients during their statutory 15.17 hearing (also known as magistration). This critical hearing marks the client's first appearance in the criminal justice system and is where initial bail is determined. The importance of this program cannot be overstated, as CAFA attorneys are often the first point of contact for clients with someone who is truly on their side—someone who can answer questions, provide guidance, and address their concerns. We are looking for a CAFA case manager to assist attorneys and support clients through the magistration process as an integral member of the defense team. This person will work closely with clients in various settings, including jail, court, and the community. In this role, the case manager will engage directly with clients who have recently been arrested and will provide appropriate support to client and attorney in navigating resources, identifying bond supports, connecting client to services, addressing potential mental health concerns, and a variety of other interventions dependent upon client needs. The case manager will assist clients in accessing community services, coordinate care, and work closely with community partners to develop resources for clients as they are released from jail.

To secure appropriate and client-centered alternatives, the case manager will provide referrals to resources, coordinate with collateral contacts, develop and present formal, often fast-moving release and treatment plans. The CAFA Case Manager will be responsible for the continued care and handoff of the case to the attorney who is assigned to represent the client after magistration.

The case manager should have experience and comfort working with individuals suffering from severe and persistent mental illnesses and substance use disorders. It is vital that we approach this role with compassion and understanding, as clients are often navigating the most stressful and overwhelming moments of their lives. As this position entails an outreach component, reliable transportation and a valid driver's license are required. This position requires working some nights (2:00 PM to 11:00 PM) and weekends, with hours to be adjusted as the program expands and transitions to day shifts.​

Primary Responsibilities:


Interview clients at CAFA to identify needs and create release plan.
Connect client with appropriate community resources and manage community referrals as a part of continuity of care.
Collaborates with community networks and providers to help clients’ seamlessly access and navigate treatment and services.
Conduct client interviews, assessments, and screenings in jail
Discuss and complete release of information (ROI) forms from partner agencies with clients to ensure seamless continuity of care.
Collects, reviews, and provides documentation for purposes of developing bond plans, social histories, treatment plans, and connection to services.
Maintain an active caseload of clients; provides advocacy, mitigation, and connection to resources as appropriate with clients’ needs and goals.
Maintains accurate and detailed client notes and documents, in paper and digital format.
Collaborates with client, defense attorney, mitigation specialist, investigator, expert, immigration attorney, community case managers, and any other stakeholder, in addressing clients’ legal and social service needs.
Coordinates transport for clients from jail or community to appointments, treatment facilities, and other locations/services, as needed during the course of representation or for purposes of reentry.
Support the social work team with training initiatives and education efforts on best practices.
Updates and maintains a guide of community resources and contact persons for service providers.
Attends and participates in internal and external case conferences, meetings, and trainings as required by the supervisor.
Ensure access to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to support continuous care for clients facing homelessness.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.


​Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related social/behavioral science degree
Preferably have six months to one year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, mental health or behavioral health issues, and substance-use disorders.
Prior criminal justice experience preferred, but not required.
Prior case management, counseling, or crisis intervention experience preferred.
Comfortable handling confidential information.
Experienced and comfortable working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Positive attitude, team player, self-starter with lots of initiative.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this role.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Valid Texas State Social Work or comparable license preferred but not required.
Must have valid Texas Driver’s License and reliable transportation.


Salary commensurate with experience, in a range of $53,000.00 - $60,000.00. Compensation includes employer-paid health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurances, as well as an employer-funded retirement plan and generous leave policy.

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs @ capds.org as one document with “CAFA Case Manager” in the subject line. Only electronic communications will be accepted. Please demonstrate in your cover letter that you meet the minimum qualifications. Only applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

CAPDS is an equal opportunity employer that values equity and diversity.Type your paragraph here.