Impactful Social Services Advocate - Juvenile Unit

County of Delaware; Media (Delaware County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to individuals facing loss of freedom in criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Social Service Advocate, Juvenile Unit, works under the Defender legal team to identify and address the social service needs of Defender clients.

This role coordinates services with Delaware County's Department of Human Services, drafts psychosocial reports, assists attorneys with client

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred in social work, counseling, criminal justice, or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with people with mental illness and substance use issues preferred.
• Computer skills including case management software and Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to public service and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and obtains appropriate forensic services for clients (placement, mental health, medical, educational supports).
• Coordinates services with the Department of Human Services to address treatment needs.
• Drafts psychosocial reports and assists attorneys with client communications and records.
• Develops and sustains relationships with community services and supports.
• Engages with client networks (family, friends, mentors) to support court readiness.
• Appears for court proceedings and monitors client progress through case pendency.
• Assists with re-entry into the community and transition to probation where needed.
• Collaborates with juvenile staff to ensure client needs are met.
• Contributes to data collection and analysis for program improvements.
• Completes special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication

Resourcefulness

Creativity

Initiative

Discretion

Tact

Education

Master of Science in Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or related discipline

Tools

Case management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Delaware County Office of the Public Defender provides legal representation to individuals facing loss of freedom in criminal, delinquency, and mental health systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Social Service Advocate, Juvenile Unit, works under the Defender legal team to identify and address the social service needs of Defender clients.

This role coordinates services with Delaware County's Department of Human Services, drafts psychosocial reports, assists attorneys with client