Legal Services Advocate: Client Support & Mitigation

Montgomery County (PA); Norristown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collective bargaining agreement

Job summary

Montgomery County is seeking a Social Services Advocate to provide support to adult and juvenile clients through various stages of legal representation. The role includes interviewing clients, preparing mitigation reports, and coordinating with attorneys to secure housing, treatment, and community resources across Montgomery County and Pennsylvania.

Strong record-keeping and collaboration with the Chief Public Defender are essential.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in criminal justice or a social services related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a criminal justice or social services related field.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Prepare mitigation reports and collaborate with staff attorneys on sentencing-related matters and advocacy.
• Interview clients and related parties, including conducting in-person interviews at county correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers.
• Work closely with attorneys to identify, locate, and interview collateral witnesses as needed.
• Collect, review, and analyze client records and other relevant documentation.
• Assist in evaluating information and making recommendations to support the disposition of juvenile and adult cases.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all clients within adult and juvenile case management databases.
• Participate in client-related meetings and multidisciplinary discussions that impact Public Defender Office activities and representation.
• Assist with annual statistical projects and program evaluations to measure the effectiveness of office programs, services, and activities.
• Support attorneys in identifying and securing housing, treatment, and other community-based resources for clients.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Oral communication

Spanish language (preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field

Equivalent combination of experience and training

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Montgomery County is seeking a Social Services Advocate to provide support to adult and juvenile clients through various stages of legal representation. The role includes interviewing clients, preparing mitigation reports, and coordinating with attorneys to secure housing, treatment, and community resources across Montgomery County and Pennsylvania.

Strong record-keeping and collaboration with the Chief Public Defender are essential.