administrative assistant

case worker

court clerk

public defender

caseworker iii

Montgomery County, PA

My experience working within the Juvenile Court system for Montco was extremely disappointing. While the probation officers and support staff were hardworking and committed to the youth they served, the overall leadership and management structure created a frustrating work environment.

There were frequent administrative changes that led to confusion and low morale. Leadership did not seem equipped to support staff effectively, and significant departmental shifts were made without clear communication or input from those most affected. These changes often seemed disconnected from the actual needs of the youth and families we were trying to support.

The workload was overwhelming, with an unusually high volume of court involvement. In many cases, youth were placed on probation without a clear rationale, and certain programs were used excessively rather than strategically. This made it feel as if we were managing numbers rather than addressing individual needs.

Although there was talk of promoting work-life balance, that was not my experience. The expectations and culture did not reflect the values shared during the hiring process.

Overall, this role left me feeling discouraged. I believe the department has potential if leadership begins to prioritize communication, staff support, and community-focused outcomes. Until then, I would advise job seekers to ask specific questions about the current structure and expectations before accepting a position.

DO NOT WORK FOR THE PUBLIC DEFENDER OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY! This office acts like they are about holistic representation but that is a joke! Employees are underappreciated particularly those that do the hard work and are truly passionate about helping people. The social services unit is underpaid and they have unrealistic job expectations that one person cannot meet, yet they will expect you to with no negotiations.  Their dependency juvenile unit is currently committing malpractice due to low staffing of attorneys and they expect social services to exclusively work with them and no one else even though the job description says otherwise. Job security is tenuous at best. If you attempt to speak with management about your concerns or issues, they are not receptive and do not listen -- you are labeled as "difficult and negative". The Chief of the office is completely out of touch with what everyone is doing and is rarely there. He also recently lost a lawsuit for terminating an employee due to age discrimination.  If you are into a**kissing and ego-stroking to get what you want professionally then they will love you and you'll fit in great!  This place is county government mentality through and through...

What is the best part of working at the company?
You get a lot of experience here but it is county specific and extremely stressful 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The caseload is overwhelming and there is little if any time to prepare.  Often times you are sitting there at counsel table looking up a case on the spot and have never met the client before.  It is nonstop pressure 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Cliquish and cut throat.  Too many bosses and too few line staff working full caseloads.  High turnover 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Non stop stress. Going to court on a moments notice.  Difficult to even get a  bathroom break at times.  You will get lots of experience but your capacity to handle the work will be a challenge.  For a type A personality for sure

They put the basis of your worth as an employee on whether or not you have a degree. You think with only having a HS diploma with some college coursework but no degree, if you get your foot in the door, they’ll see your work ethic, your knowledge, your productivity and integrity and you’ll eventually be recognized. You expect opportunity for learning new things and advancement. Nope. Not here. You are hired on the ground floor with no degree and once they see how valuable you are they will give you new, added responsibilities, they’ll change your job duties, but you won’t be fairly compensated for it unless you have a degree. You get a merit review every year but no merit raise or bonus. Nothing “extra” to strive or push for. 

Benefit package is overall fair, not amazing.  Pay is really a joke, similar jobs are often significantly different in pay, and neighboring counties pay dramatically more for the same position. Your job environment can change dramatically due to elections.  Code of Conduct is really over the top with restrictions especially for court employees.  Job advancement often given by tenure instead of ability to do the job.  Budget cuts on things like office supplies are so ridiculous that they are actually costing the county money in wasted time of trying to use inferior products.  Security varies greatly by location and training opportunities are rare.

The old boy network is strong here.  You can't move up.  You won't even get an interview.  You can't make suggestions.  You can't volunteer to do new things.  It's a very unsafe & unprofessional department. Any thought of making things better is a threat to the supervisor.

Working with nature and wildlife is great.  Most visitors are incredible.  But if you have a brain, motivation, a need to see things improve and can't overlook safety violations, never apply for this job.

Before working at the courthouse, I was warned that it was a very high school esque cut throat environment. After joining their staff I realized that the warnings weren't enough for what I endured. Zero training, high expectations, and dozens of people looking out for themselves. The benefits and time off are amazing, but the people there are rancid. Unless you’re able to fake it until you make it, there’s no movement or promotions there. Just a bunch of fake people waiting to let you fail. 

I enjoy going to work everyday at the court house. Everyone I work with is great, we all get along, our supervisors don't constantly look over our shoulders. Plus we get lots of holidays off. Getting paid every other week kind of stinks but, oh well. And yes, the pay is really good , the insurance , credit union and a pension...alot of places don't even offer pensions anymore.  Never thought I'd actually look forward to going to work..lol. It's not back breaking work.  I highly recommend working for Montgomery County. 

A typical day involved me working on the mall floor while I monitored customers. I learned hard work and how to communicate with people. Management was kind and I was able to get along with them. The workplace culture was excellent and I was able to get along with people. The hardest part about the job was trying to solve customers problems. The most enjoyable part about the job was meeting customers and working with my coworkers.

They will be the first to tell you that this is not a job you can stay at for the rest of your life. The pay is half what others pay in the area and sometimes even less but they make up for it in a supportive atmosphere and a genuine care for its people. My coworkers and supervisor were topnotch and they made me feel like a family instead of a workspace. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Administrative assistant 42 salaries reported	$23.46 per hour
Case worker 27 salaries reported	$31.39 per hour
Court clerk 6 salaries reported	$27.46 per hour
Public defender 5 salaries reported	$77,397 per year
Caseworker iii 8 salaries reported	$32.46 per hour

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