Public Defender Client Advocate - Champion for Clients

State of Colorado; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

State Paid Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care

HSA Plan with Employer Contribution

Paid Time Off & Sick Leave

Flexible Schedules

11 paid holidays

Mental Health Resources

Colorado PERA

401(k) and 457 Plans

Job summary

Colorado State Public Defender seeks entry‑level Client Advocate to support indigent defendants through the legal process. You will identify client priorities, connect clients with housing, benefits and services, and advocate for clients with service providers and attorneys.

You will work alongside defense attorneys, building relationships with community organizations to access resources, while upholding confidentiality and ethical obligations in a fast‑paced public defense environment.

Qualifications

• Entry‑level professional supporting clients in the criminal defense process.
• Advocates help identify client priorities and connect clients with community services.
• Support a workplace culture that values diversity and equity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct client interviews to understand priorities and barriers to services.
• Refer clients to housing, employment, social and medical benefits, and treatment programs.
• Identify potential civil, family, and immigration needs related to criminal cases and refer to partners.
• Build partnerships with local organizations to facilitate access to services.
• Develop and maintain a resource guide of local social and legal services.
• Advocate for clients by engaging providers and others to obtain favorable outcomes.
• Assist attorneys by providing narratives and recommendations for court proceedings.
• Coordinate with legal and social teams to support client cases.
• Educate clients about court processes and assist with meeting court requirements.
• Collect and report data on work and outcomes.
• Help meet housing, employment, education, health and mental health needs for clients.

Job description

Colorado State Public Defender seeks entry‑level Client Advocate to support indigent defendants through the legal process. You will identify client priorities, connect clients with housing, benefits and services, and advocate for clients with service providers and attorneys.

You will work alongside defense attorneys, building relationships with community organizations to access resources, while upholding confidentiality and ethical obligations in a fast‑paced public defense environment.