Client Advocate: Public Defender Social Worker

NCIDS; Henderson (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

NCIDS in Henderson County, NC seeks a Client Advocate to assist clients and attorneys in navigating gaps in access to treatment, mediation, public benefits, and social determinate needs central to criminal court involvement.

This time-limited, grant-funded role supports public defenders across District 42 by coordinating services, documenting outcomes, and advocating for housing, health care, and community resources while working with a diverse client population.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• 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).
• Travel throughout Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties.

Skills

Criminal justice

Written communication

Organizational skills

MS Office

Advocacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

NCIDS in Henderson County, NC seeks a Client Advocate to assist clients and attorneys in navigating gaps in access to treatment, mediation, public benefits, and social determinate needs central to criminal court involvement.

This time-limited, grant-funded role supports public defenders across District 42 by coordinating services, documenting outcomes, and advocating for housing, health care, and community resources while working with a diverse client population.