Client Advocate – Public Defender

Nichols College; Dudley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local public service organization is seeking a Client Advocate – Public Defender to support attorneys in representing clients in criminal cases. The role includes conducting interviews, identifying clients' needs, and providing referrals to resources. Candidates should possess a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in social services or legal settings. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a legal team.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in a social work setting.
• Experience working in a Public Defender office or legal aid.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in representing indigent clients.
• Conduct interviews with clients to understand their needs.
• Develop re-entry plans for clients.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Communication skills

Client engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Criminal Justice

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Case management system

Job description

and the job listing Expires on August 6, 2025

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Client Advocate – Public Defender position assists attorneys representing indigent clients in criminal cases. This includes conducting in-depth interviews with clients about their circumstances, identifying issues related to any immediate or long-term needs such as housing, mental health, substance use, and accessing benefits. This position also works with clients to assist with navigating the criminal legal system, refers clients to clinical or relevant experts, obtains medical and treatment records, and connects clients to resources that can address their identified needs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
This position reports directly to the Chief Public Defender.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees or functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION
Builds relationships and conducts interviews with clients to understand their service priorities and map out how to achieve them. Identifies any collateral consequences or enmeshed penalties the client may be facing from their arrest and assess potential barriers to clients accessing desired services.

Builds partnerships and contacts with local community organizations and government agencies to maintain knowledge about available services and facilitate access for clients.

Develops and maintains a resource guide of social and legal services currently available in Northampton County and the surrounding jurisdictions from which client referrals can be completed in a timely manner.

Refers clients to appropriate community-based programs and other social services based on the client’s service priorities and/or Court mandates.

Identifies potential non-criminal legal needs in connection to the client’s criminal case and refer clients to appropriate civil, family, and immigration legal partners, as available, for consultation and representation.

Assists clients, depending upon need and attorney direction, with additional needs such as (but not limited to):

•Develops re-entry or release plans, including requirements set by bail conditions;
•Assists with program placement for behavioral health or substance use counseling;
•Coordinates with employers to maintain employment while client may be temporarily in custody or facing other obstacles that interfere with their employment;
•Assists clients with finding transportation to and from Court appearances, treatment, or other necessary appointments;
•Navigates requirements to maintain or reinstate drivers’ licenses or other forms of identification;
•Assists clients with enrolling in school or other educational/vocational programs;
•Provides information or education to attorneys and clients on social services that may be relevant to the client’s service goals.

Drafts mitigation reports that summarize client histories, biopsychosocial profiles, and participation in services or other proactive steps taken into persuasive narratives supporting improved client legal outcomes. Testifies to same in Court. Duties associated with these reports include, but are not limited to:

•Conducts interviews of clients to collect information for biopsychosocial profiles;
•Conducts interviews of client families to collect social history information;
•Gathers mental health, medical, educational, and substance abuse treatment records;
•Gathers letters of support and other mitigation evidence for sentencing hearings;
•Advocates for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports alternative sentences;
•Initiates and maintains a variety of resource materials, files, and records (computerized and manual) related to case mitigation and information gathered.

Maintains detailed knowledge of Court processes and requirements. Shares information with clients and their families about the criminal legal process and assists them in overcoming barriers to meeting Court requirements.

Collects and reports data about work with clients using a designated case management system. Maintains accurate and specific case records and logs of assignments and tasks performed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Partners closely with attorneys to support arguments for better legal outcomes, including providing relevant information and records, and drafting persuasive narrative reports. Researches, evaluates, and recommends alternatives to incarceration which would adequality address client needs and Court requirements.

Appears for Court hearings to support clients and their family members, as needed.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field; AND

At least one (1) year of full-time, professional work experience in a social work or substance use disorder treatment setting; AND

At least one (1) year of full-time, experience working in a Public Defender office, Legal Aid office, public interest law organization; OR

At least one (1) year of full-time professional work experience providing client-centered social services within marginalized communities such as public benefits enrollment, housing or healthcare navigation, or job readiness training; AND

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the criminal Court system, community-based organizations, and service providers.

Knowledge of, and experience in, culturally proficient practices and in management a diverse client caseload.

Professional or personal knowledge of the Northampton County community, including the systems, agencies, institutions, and organizations with which its residents interact.

Skill and experience in motivational interviewing and interacting with people with varying backgrounds and education levels to obtain facts. Ability to evaluate relevant information.

Skill and proficiency in keeping frequent contact with clients, community-based organizations, and service providers to compile and review important, detailed, personal and confidential information.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as law enforcement reports, governmental or agency regulations, and legal interpretations.

Ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and compelling written narrative reports and records.

Ability to defuse hostile and stressful situations through strong communication skills and to relate appropriately to people in times of emergency or crisis.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to organize ad prioritize caseloads, calendar, and work assignments.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills/knowledge.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.