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Client Advocate - Public Defender

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Client Advocate - Public Defender

Salary

$53,884.00 Annually

Location

Easton, PA

Job Type

Full time

Job Number

2025-00279E

Department

Public Defender

Division

Public Defender

Opening Date

07/24/2025

Closing Date

8/6/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must successfully submit a completed application prior to the posting deadline. Applications submitted with incomplete or missing education and/or work experience sections will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. These applicants will be disqualified from consideration.The attachment of a resume to the application does not fulfill this requirement and will not prevent incomplete applications from being rejected.Education and work experience fields must be completed, regardless of the presence of an attached resume.

Once the posting closes, all applications will be reviewed. The information provided on the application will be utilized to determine whether or not each applicant meets the Minimum Requirements for this position as noted in the Job Description. We encourage all applicants to provide a comprehensive, concise history of their education, certification, licensing, and employment history. Please read the Minimum Requirements thoroughly and then demonstrate that you meet these requirements on your application.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Sherry Christman, Human Resources Analyst at [email protected] 610-829-6382.

Equal Employment Opportunities – It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal, or local law.

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Client Advocate – Public Defender position assists attorneys representing indigent clients in criminal cases. This includes conducting in-depth interviews with clients about their circumstances, identifying issues related to any immediate or long-term needs such as housing, mental health, substance use, and accessing benefits. This position also works with clients to assist with navigating the criminal legal system, refers clients to clinical or relevant experts, obtains medical and treatment records, and connects clients to resources that can address their identified needs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Chief Public Defender.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees or functions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION

Builds relationships and conducts interviews with clients to understand their service priorities and map out how to achieve them. Identifies any collateral consequences or enmeshed penalties the client may be facing from their arrest and assess potential barriers to clients accessing desired services.

Builds partnerships and contacts with local community organizations and government agencies to maintain knowledge about available services and facilitate access for clients.

Develops and maintains a resource guide of social and legal services currently available in Northampton County and the surrounding jurisdictions from which client referrals can be completed in a timely manner.

Refers clients to appropriate community-based programs and other social services based on the client’s service priorities and/or Court mandates.

Identifies potential non-criminal legal needs in connection to the client’s criminal case and refer clients to appropriate civil, family, and immigration legal partners, as available, for consultation and representation.

Assists clients, depending upon need and attorney direction, with additional needs such as (but not limited to):

•Develops re-entry or release plans, including requirements set by bail conditions;

•Assists with program placement for behavioral health or substance use counseling;

•Coordinates with employers to maintain employment while client may be temporarily in custody or facing other obstacles that interfere with their employment;

•Assists clients with finding transportation to and from Court appearances, treatment, or other necessary appointments;

•Navigates requirements to maintain or reinstate drivers’ licenses or other forms of identification;

•Assists clients with enrolling in school or other educational/vocational programs;

•Provides information or education to attorneys and clients on social services that may be relevant to the client’s service goals.

Drafts mitigation reports that summarize client histories, biopsychosocial profiles, and participation in services or other proactive steps taken into persuasive narratives supporting improved client legal outcomes. Testifies to same in Court. Duties associated with these reports include, but are not limited to:

•Conducts interviews of clients to collect information for biopsychosocial profiles;

•Conducts interviews of client families to collect social history information;

•Gathers mental health, medical, educational, and substance abuse treatment records;

•Gathers letters of support and other mitigation evidence for sentencing hearings;

•Advocates for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports alternative sentences;

•Initiates and maintains a variety of resource materials, files, and records (computerized and manual) related to case mitigation and information gathered.

Maintains detailed knowledge of Court processes and requirements. Shares information with clients and their families about the criminal legal process and assists them in overcoming barriers to meeting Court requirements.

Collects and reports data about work with clients using a designated case management system. Maintains accurate and specific case records and logs of assignments and tasks performed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Partners closely with attorneys to support arguments for better legal outcomes, including providing relevant information and records, and drafting persuasive narrative reports. Researches, evaluates, and recommends alternatives to incarceration which would adequality address client needs and Court requirements.

Appears for Court hearings to support clients and their family members, as needed.

*An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field; AND

At least one (1) year of full-time, professional work experience in a social work or substance use disorder treatment setting; AND

At least one (1) year of full-time, experience working in a Public Defender office, Legal Aid office, public interest law organization; OR

At least one (1) year of full-time professional work experience providing client-centered social services within marginalized communities such as public benefits enrollment, housing or healthcare navigation, or job readiness training; AND

Employee assigned to this title will be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license. Must have an acceptable driving record. Personal vehicle required for County business; employee is eligible for mileage reimbursement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of the criminal Court system, community-based organizations, and service providers.

Knowledge of, and experience in, culturally proficient practices and in management a diverse client caseload.

Professional or personal knowledge of the Northampton County community, including the systems, agencies, institutions, and organizations with which its residents interact.

Skill and experience in motivational interviewing and interacting with people with varying backgrounds and education levels to obtain facts. Ability to evaluate relevant information.

Skill and proficiency in keeping frequent contact with clients, community-based organizations, and service providers to compile and review important, detailed, personal and confidential information.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as law enforcement reports, governmental or agency regulations, and legal interpretations.

Ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and compelling written narrative reports and records.

Ability to defuse hostile and stressful situations through strong communication skills and to relate appropriately to people in times of emergency or crisis.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to organize ad prioritize caseloads, calendar, and work assignments.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills/knowledge.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Telephone, personal computer (including word processing and spreadsheet software), calculator, writing implements, fax machine, copy machine, and paper shredder.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, or hear.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

FLSA STATUS: FLSA EXEMPT (NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)

DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE

PAY GRADE: CS/GR23

UNION STATUS: CAREER SERVICE

Created June 2025

Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefitswhich includes the following:

Medical Insurance

Vision and Prescription

Dental

Life Insurance

Retirement

I. Medical Insurance

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.

II. Vision and Prescription

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection.

III. Dental Coverage

Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.

IV. Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.

V. Retirement

All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan [457(b)] which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the applicant screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field? If yes, you must attach your college transcripts. Unofficial copies are accepted. Failure to provide your transcripts will result in the rejection of your application. If you encounter difficulties in attaching this documentation, please reach out to Human Resources BEFORE the posting close date.

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have at least one (1) year of full-time, professional work experience in a social work or substance use disorder treatment setting? If yes, your work history section must reflect this experience to qualify.

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you have at least one (1) year of full-time work experience in a Public Defender office, Legal Aid office, or public interest law organization? If yes, your work history section must reflect this experience to qualify.

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you have at least one (1) year of full-time, professional work experience providing client-centered social services within marginalized communities such as public benefits enrollment, housing or healthcare navigation, or job readiness training? If yes, your work history section must reflect this experience to qualify.

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you possess a valid and current driver's license with an acceptable driving record?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question