Client Advocate

Judicial Branch; Hendersonville (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Judicial Branch in Hendersonville, NC is seeking a Client Advocate to support public defenders by linking clients with needed services and monitoring progress. The role emphasizes direct engagement with clients in and out of jail custody, data collection, and advocacy within the criminal justice system.

The position is time-limited and grant funded through January 31, 2028, offering important service to the District 42 office across three counties and opportunities to build

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and one year of work experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Management prefers candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist public defenders by providing information to aid in favorable case outcomes and attempt to reduce additional contact with the court system.
• Provide reports and updates to attorneys.
• Assist clients with identifying optimal treatment options and assist with enrollment, logistics, and related needs to enable admittance and completion.
• Travel throughout Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties.

Skills

Advocacy

Communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Data collection

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field

One year of work experience in a human services field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY RANGE: $49,690.00 - $58,710.00 ***This position is time-limited, grant funded, full-time.*** **Funding for this position will end on January 31, 2028.** The Public Defender's Office, District 42 which consists of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties, seeks a Client Advocate to assist clients and attorneys in navigating gaps in access to treatment, mediation, public benefits, and social determinate needs that are the core cause of criminal court involvement. A Client Advocate (CA) will engage directly with court appointed defendants throughout their case, identify needs and connect them with specific services.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: Assist public defenders by providing information to aid in favorable case outcomes and attempt to reduce additional contact with the court system. Provide reports and updates to attorneys. Assist clients with identifying optimal treatment options and assist with enrollment, logistics, and related needs to enable admittance and completion. Assist clients with accessing health care and securing stable housing. Connect clients with supportive community resources. Interview clients (in jail custody and out of jail custody). Track specific output and outcome measurements through data collection per the terms of the grant. Develop relationships with local organizations and resources to facilitate advocacy. Build relationships with clients to understand and identify challenges. Travel throughout Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies: Knowledge of: criminal justice system; public and private organizations and community resources; alternative treatment and/or placement facilities both in and outside of North Carolina; and funding sources for alternative treatment and/or placement facilities. Skills in: excellent written, strong organizational and writing skills; communication and advocacy skills; and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to: work with a diverse population; welcome individuals with lived experience with recovery; meet high demands and deadlines often associated with advocating for the rights of consumers within the criminal justice system; develop and conduct educational seminars; and work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team. Must have an active North Carolina Driver's license.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and one year of work experience in a human services field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Management prefers candidates with a Bachelor's degree in social work or another human services field and two (2) years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional are encouraged to apply. Attach cover letter and résumé.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers. The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

Charmaine J. Leeks NC Administrative Office of the Courts Human Resources Division https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. If you are already a state employee, please search for jobs by clicking here.