Client Advocate

Calhouncounty; Battle Creek (MI); Hybrid; USD 3,561,096 - 4,393,166; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Holidays

401(k) match

Near-Site Clinic

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Calhoun County Government seeks a Client Advocate to work with Assistant Public Defenders, assisting clients with housing, substance use, mental health, and employment services as part of holistic, client-centered representation.

Responsibilities include preparing mitigation materials, advocating for treatment and alternative sentences, and coordinating with local social service agencies to meet clients’ needs. Hybrid work options available in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or related human services field; relevant experience considered.
• Strong ability to assess needs across diverse populations within the legal system.
• Willingness to access clients in a correctional facility.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; solid organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Attend meetings with client and attorney; assist clients with housing, substance use, mental health, employment and other services.
• Make referrals to address clients’ current needs and advocate on their behalf.
• Gather mitigating information through interviews, records and documents.
• Prepare alternatives to incarceration memoranda for judges and prosecutors.
• Accompany clients to court as requested by the Public Defender.

Skills

Needs assessment

Independent work

Team collaboration

Cultural sensitivity

Communication skills

MS Office skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or social work

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

Join Our Team at Calhoun County Government! At Calhoun County, you’ll find more than just a job, you’ll find purpose. Our employees make a meaningful impact every day by serving our community. Whether you’re supporting essential services, improving local systems, or helping residents thrive, your work contributes to something bigger. We’re proud to foster a collaborative, supportive workplace where people are valued for their ideas and dedication to public service. If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference, we invite you to explore opportunities with Calhoun County Government.

Summary

Under the supervision of the Client Advocate Coordinator, the Client Advocate will work collaboratively with Assistant Public Defenders to assist clients in areas of housing, substance use, mental health, employment, and other services as part of holistic, client-centered representation. The Client Advocate will also provide support for Assistant Public Defenders by advocating for treatment, reduced sentences, and alternative sentencing to incarceration in the form of mitigation reports and sentencing memorandums.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Attends collaborative meetings with the client and attorney, reviews case service plans, and assists clients to engage with local social service agencies. The client advocate will serve as a liaison to local social service agencies in collaboration with the Client Advocate Coordinator.
2. Make appropriate referrals to address clients’ current needs (substance use treatment, mental health treatment, housing, and other benefits) and advocate on their behalf.
3. Gather factual mitigating information through interviews, records, and other documents.
4. Conduct research and prepare alternatives to incarceration memoranda for submission to judges and prosecutors through the Assistant Public Defenders under the direction of the Client Advocate Coordinator.
5. Accompany clients to court as requested by the Assistant Public Defender.
6. Prior to court proceedings, maintains and documents ongoing updates regarding the client’s progress through communication with the client, service providers, and others.
7. Completes special projects and other duties as requested by the Client Advocate Coordinator.
8. Stay abreast of developments in the field, participate in professional groups, engages in continuing professional education, and assists Assistant Public Defenders with new ideas and initiatives to assist their clients.
9. Performs other duties as required.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or other human service fields. Possession of a bachelor’s degree with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of the family and criminal system preferred.
• A strong ability to assess needs with the diverse populations involved in the legal system in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner.
• Willingness to access clients in a correctional facility.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis.
• Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize word processing programs, databases, spreadsheets, and presentation software applications.
• Must possess a valid Michigan operator’s license.
• Excellent written and oral commination skills,
• Effective organizational skills to handle multiple projects and attention to detail.
• Professionalism and the ability to appropriately handle confidential information and sensitive situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Working Conditions

Hybrid Work Classification: Hybrid Eligible.

Flexibility Classification: Flexible Schedule Eligible.

• Normal office environment with occasional discomfort due to heat, dust, and noise.
• Extended workdays (beyond 8 hours/day or Saturday/Sunday) are occasionally required.
• Availability to handle work problems, attend meetings, handle emergencies/crisis situations is occasionally required.
• Controlled environment in the Calhoun County Jail.
• Courtroom setting.
• Up to 20% of the time may include travel and time in other locations.

Wage Range: $25.85 - $31.89 USD

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Calhoun County Government offers benefits designed to support your wellbeing at work and beyond. Our employees enjoy competitive pay, health and retirement plans, generous time off, and opportunities for professional growth. Benefits for 40 hours/week positions are highlighted below:

• Paid Time Off: 6.47 hours per pay period (hourly) or 4.2 weeks annually (salaried)
• Holidays: Enjoy 14 paid holidays per year
• Flexibility: Hybrid and flexible scheduling for eligible positions
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 7% County match
• Near-Site Clinic: Convenient preventative and primary care with on-site medications
• Education: Up to$3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement

Learn more about our benefits at www.calhouncountymi.gov/employee_benefits.