Client Advocate

SALARY GRADE: Flat Rated

The District 7 Public Defender’s Office is seeking a dedicated Client Advocate to join our collaborative defense team. This position plays a vital role in ensuring that our clients receive compassionate, individualized representation. By investigating and presenting the social, psychological, and personal histories of justice involved individuals, the Client Advocate helps humanize clients and advocate for fairer outcomes within the justice system. By developing relationships with resource providers, the Client Advocate plays an important part in providing opportunities for justice involved individuals that jail or prison cannot provide.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments, screenings, and interviews with clients in custody.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with clients while cases are pending.
• Collaborate with local jails to ensure clients receive proper medical care and treatment.
• Interview family members, friends, teachers, and employers to build a comprehensive picture of each client’s circumstances.
• Investigate backgrounds and assess mental health, physical health, social issues, and substance use/misuse disorders.
• Obtain, review, and summarize client records from relevant sources.
• Coordinate with outside professionals to evaluate clients.
• Develop evidence for pre-trial negotiations and trial presentations that highlights mitigating circumstances.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation in cases where mitigation is relevant.
• Present findings during plea negotiations, court hearings, and conferences.
• Work independently while coordinating closely with attorneys to provide case management and placement services.
• Establish and maintain a database of local and state services and treatment options available to District 7 counties.
• Develop relationships with resource providers to assist clients in gaining access to services needed to break the cycle of recidivism.

About Us

The District 7 Public Defender’s Office is committed to delivering client-centered, zealous advocacy with compassion across Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties. Our team values collaboration, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving the underserved in our communities.

Salary

• $50,000 - $60,000/year

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Knowledge of: social work practices; client advocacy; local placement and treatment resources; screening and diagnostic tools; evidence-based assessment instruments; and local jail policies.


Skills in: written and oral communication; organization; time management; relationship building with diverse populations; and computer applications (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, databases, etc.).

Ability to: manage workload to meet deadlines; analyze and apply client assessments; advocate effectively for client needs; and coordinate services across multiple agencies.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university, preferably in the field of counseling, psychology, criminal justice, social work, or other related human services field, and experience in the legal system.

Must have a valid North Carolina's driver's license.

Management prefers:

• Background in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field strongly preferred.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals or in a legal setting is a plus.
• Excellent people skills.
• A passion for helping the underserved.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

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It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

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All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
Travis Davis
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division Benefits

Judicial Branch employees are eligible for the North Carolina State Government benefits package. The package consists of a comprehensive collection of benefit options including medical coverage, defined benefit retirement, supplemental retirement, flexible benefits, supplemental insurance, and other miscellaneous benefits.

Employees of the North Carolina Judicial Department have the opportunity to participate in an array of benefit offerings depending on employment status. The Benefits Eligibility Chart describes benefit eligibility by employment status.