Summary

Under the supervision of the Client Advocate Coordinator, the Client Advocate will work collaboratively with Assistant Public Defenders to assist clients in areas of housing, substance use, mental health, employment, and other services as part of holistic, client-centered representation. The Client Advocate will also provide support for Assistant Public Defenders by advocating for treatment, reduced sentences, and alternative sentencing to incarceration in the form of mitigation reports and sentencing memorandums.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Attends collaborative meetings with the client and attorney, reviews case service plans, and assists clients to engage with local social service agencies. The client advocate will serve as a liaison to local social service agencies in collaboration with the Client Advocate Coordinator.

Make appropriate referrals to address clients' current needs (substance use treatment, mental health treatment, housing, and other benefits) and advocate on their behalf.

Gather factual mitigating information through interviews, records, and other documents.

Conduct research and prepare alternatives to incarceration memoranda for submission to judges and prosecutors through the Assistant Public Defenders under the direction of the Client Advocate Coordinator.

Accompany clients to court as requested by the Assistant Public Defender.

Prior to court proceedings, maintains and documents ongoing updates regarding the client's progress through communication with the client, service providers, and others.

Completes special projects and other duties as requested by the Client Advocate Coordinator.

Stay abreast of developments in the field, participate in professional groups, engages in continuing professional education, and assists Assistant Public Defenders with new ideas and initiatives to assist their clients.

Performs other duties as required.

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or other human service fields. Possession of a bachelor's degree with relevant experience will also be considered.

Knowledge of the family and criminal system preferred.

A strong ability to assess needs with the diverse populations involved in the legal system in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner.

Willingness to access clients in a correctional facility.

Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis.

Computer skills necessary to effectively utilize word processing programs, databases, spreadsheets, and presentation software applications.

Must possess a valid Michigan operator's license.

Excellent written and oral commination skills,

Effective organizational skills to handle multiple projects and attention to detail.

Professionalism and the ability to appropriately handle confidential information and sensitive situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Working Conditions*

Hybrid Work Classification: Hybrid Eligible Flexibility Classification: Flexible Schedule Eligible

Normal office environment with occasional discomfort due to heat, dust, and noise.

Extended workdays (beyond 8 hours/day or Saturday/Sunday) are occasionally required.

Availability to handle work problems, attend meetings, handle emergencies/crisis situations is occasionally required.

Controlled environment in the Calhoun County Jail.

Courtroom setting.

Up to 20% of the time may include travel and time in other locations.

Calhoun County Government

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