Client Advocate

Agency

Indigent Defense Services

Division

PUBLIC DEFENDER 42 DISTRICT

Job Classification Title

Public Defender Social Worker (S)

Position Number

65037573

Grade

JBFR

About Us

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

Description of Work

SALARY RANGE: $49,690.00 - $58,710.00

***This position is time-limited, grant funded, full-time.***
**Funding for this position will end on January 31, 2028.**

The Public Defender's Office, District 42 which consists of Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties, seeks a Client Advocate to assist clients and attorneys in navigating gaps in access to treatment, mediation, public benefits, and social determinate needs that are the core cause of criminal court involvement.A Client Advocate (CA) will engage directly with court appointed defendants throughout their case, identify needs and connect them with specific services.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist public defenders by providing information to aid in favorable case outcomes and attempt to reduce additional contact with the court system.
• Provide reports and updates to attorneys.
• Assist clients with identifying optimal treatment options and assist with enrollment, logistics, and related needs to enable admittance and completion.
• Assist clients with accessing health care and securing stable housing.
• Connect clients with supportive community resources.
• Interview clients (in jail custody and out of jail custody).
• Track specific output and outcome measurements through data collection per the terms of the grant.
• Develop relationships with local organizations and resources to facilitate advocacy.
• Build relationships with clients to understand and identify challenges.
• Travel throughout Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

Knowledge of:  criminal justice system; public and private organizations and community resources; alternative treatment and/or placement facilities both in and outside of North Carolina; and funding sources for alternative treatment and/or placement facilities. 

Skills in:  excellent written, strong organizational and writing skills; communication and advocacy skills; and proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to:  work with a diverse population; welcome individuals with lived experience with recovery; meet high demands and deadlines often associated with advocating for the rights of consumers within the criminal justice system; develop and conduct educational seminars; and work both independently and as a part of a multi-disciplinary team. 

Must have an active North Carolina Driver's license.

Supplemental and Contact Information:

INSTRUCTIONS:

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

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

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.

*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

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.

Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and one year of work experience in a human services field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management prefers candidates with a Bachelor's degree in social work or another human services field and two (2) years of experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional are encouraged to apply.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Charmaine James Leeks

Email:

[email protected]