CLIENT ADVOCATE (OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER)

Provides client-centered support to individuals engaged with the Defense Center throughout the legal process. Coordinates with attorneys, therapists, social workers, probation officers, placement agencies, family members, and other support systems to ensure continuity of care. Assesses collateral consequences associated with involvement in the criminal legal system and facilitates referrals to appropriate legal resources. Assists clients in accessing, navigating, and maintaining participation in programs that provide alternatives to incarceration, promoting stabilization and successful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered support to individuals throughout the legal process.
• Coordinate with attorneys, therapists, social workers, probation officers, placement agencies, family members, and other support systems to ensure continuity of care.
• Assess collateral consequences associated with involvement in the criminal legal system.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate legal resources.
• Assist clients in accessing, navigating, and maintaining participation in programs that provide alternatives to incarceration.
• Make regular contact with clients, community-based organizations, and service providers to compile and review important, detailed personal and confidential information.
• Organize and prioritize caseloads, calendar, and work assignments.
• Travel to various work locations throughout Cook County.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, or a directly related field.
• Two (2) years of experience providing social services, case management, resource coordination, reentry services to justice-involved, formerly incarcerated, or economically disadvantaged populations, or directly related experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.
• Knowledge of basic procedures and processes in the Cook County adult criminal court system.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations and social service providers.
• Ability to interact with and interview people with varying backgrounds and education levels.
• Experience in culturally proficient practices in managing a diverse client caseload.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee).

Degrees awarded outside of the United States, with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.

Physical Requirements

Light Work: involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Includes:

• Walking or standing to a significant degree.
• Sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls.
• Working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight of the materials is negligible.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• Voluntary Benefits
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, visit Cook County Risk Management.

Pay

$66,521 - $73,430/yearly

Schedule

The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.

Veteran’s Preference: When applying for employment with Cook County Government, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days, or during War Time. Veterans must meet the minimum qualifications for the position, identify themselves as a veteran on their employment application, and attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application filing.