Reentry Social Services Advocate

Defender Association of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 61,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

25 days PTO

Parental leave (10 weeks)

Retirement plan with employer match

Commuter benefits

Job summary

The Defender Association of Philadelphia seeks a Reentry Social Services Advocate to provide end-to-end case management for justice-involved youth (11-18) from detention to community reintegration. This grant-funded role focuses on reducing recidivism by addressing trauma, housing instability, and educational disruption, working with attorneys, families, probation, and community providers.

You will conduct pre-release planning, intensive case management, care coordination, trauma-informed youth

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work or related behavioral health field.
• Pennsylvania LSW preferred or license eligible.
• Minimum two years' experience working with justice-involved adolescents.
• Experience providing intensive case management.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and community resources.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Release Planning: Assess youth prior to release and develop individualized reentry plans with attorneys and families.
• Intensive Case Management: Manage a caseload of 25-30 clients with field visits and crisis intervention.
• Care Coordination: Facilitate referrals across mental health, education, housing, and other services.
• Youth Development: Lead trauma-informed workshops on life skills and career readiness.
• Collaboration: Work with attorneys, probation, and community partners; attend case conferences.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain electronic case records and track VIP grant metrics.

Skills

Social Work

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in Social Work or related behavioral health field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Reentry Social Services Advocate

Full Time Regular Main Office, Philadelphia, PA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1674

Salary Range: $61,000.00 To $63,000.00 Annually

Make a difference! Become a Defender!

The Defender Association of Philadelphia a trauma-informed Reentry Social Service Advocate for the Fresh Start for Youth Reentry This innovative program serves justice-involved youth (11-18) who have experienced long-term detention or placement, significant trauma, and serious charges related to gun or group violence. This position will provide end-to-end case management from detention to community reintegration. The role focuses on reducing recidivism by addressing the underlying factors contributing to justice involvement, including untreated trauma, mental health needs, educational disruption, housing instability, and limited access to positive supports. Working collaboratively with attorneys, families, probation, community providers, violence intervention partners, and other stakeholders, this position will develop individualized service plans that promote long-term stability, accountability, and successful reintegration into the community. This position is fully grant-funded through April 30, 2029: continued employment is strictly contingent upon grant renewal or additional funding.

What You’ll Do:

• Pre-Release Planning: Assess youth prior to release to build rapport and develop individualized reentry plans. Coordinate discharge planning and court preparation alongside attorneys, probation, and families. Participate in treatment team meetings.
• Intensive Case Management: Manage a caseload of 25-30 clients. Provide ongoing pre- and post-release support through regular field visits, crisis intervention, and logistical assistance (e.g., transportation). Monitor compliance with court orders and treatment goals.
• Care Coordination: Manage referrals and advocate for youth across various systems, including mental health, education (including IEP/504 support), housing, independent living, mentoring, substance use, and violence intervention services.
• Youth Development: Facilitate trauma-informed workshops that promote life skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and career readiness.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with Children & Youth Justice attorneys, multidisciplinary teams, and community stakeholders to ensure cohesive care. Attend case conferences. Attend community partnership trainings and meetings as assigned.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate electronic case records, prepare court summaries, and meticulously track performance metrics required by the VIP grant.

What You’ll Need

• Degree in Social Work or related behavioral health field.
• Pennsylvania LSW preferred or license eligible.
• Minimum two years' experience working with justice-involved adolescents.
• Experience providing intensive case management.
• Substantial knowledge of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and community resources.
• Demonstrated ability or clear potential to manage time-sensitive tasks and high-volume workflows
• Demonstrated collaborative approach in working in a team
• Excellent communication and crisis intervention skills.
• Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of basic administrative/clerical systems and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to quickly learn multiple internal and external computer systems.
• Requires frequent travel within the Philadelphia area visiting community placements and detention centers. Monthly travel to community placement throughout the state which may include an overnight stay is required.
• Background Clearances: Candidates are required to participate in all mandated state and federal background checks and child abuse clearances prior to employment. Please note that background histories will be evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
• Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
• Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
• Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
• Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
• Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
• Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190
• PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
• Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn .

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.