Social Services Advocate

About the role

The Social Services Advocate provides support to adult and juvenile clients throughout various stages of legal representation. Working closely with clients and their families, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges or requiring additional support services, the Advocate helps ensure comprehensive, client-centered assistance and advocacy. The Advocate conducts client interviews in a variety of settings, including county correctional facilities, and prepares detailed mitigation reports for adult and juvenile clients. In collaboration with attorneys, the Advocate assists in identifying and securing pretrial and post-release options, treatment opportunities, probation and diversionary program conditions, sentencing alternatives, and post-sentencing resources. The position also requires maintaining accurate client records, case documentation, and other related materials essential to effective representation. The Social Services Advocate is committed to supporting both clients and attorneys by helping individuals access necessary services, resources, and advocacy throughout the legal process. This role plays a critical part in promoting positive client outcomes and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to involvement in the justice system. The Social Services Advocate reports directly to the Chief of Policy and Social Services. Position covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare mitigation reports and collaborate with staff attorneys on sentencing-related matters and advocacy.
• Interview clients and related parties, including conducting in-person interviews at county correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers.
• Work closely with attorneys to identify, locate, and interview collateral witnesses as needed.
• Collect, review, and analyze client records and other relevant documentation.
• Assist in evaluating information and making recommendations to support the disposition of juvenile and adult cases.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all clients within adult and juvenile case management databases.
• Participate in client-related meetings and multidisciplinary discussions that impact Public Defender Office activities and representation.
• Assist with annual statistical projects and program evaluations to measure the effectiveness of office programs, services, and activities.
• Support attorneys in identifying and securing housing, treatment, and other community-based resources for clients.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Public Defender.
• Physical demands: regularly required to stand; walk; sit; see; talk and hear; significant and repeated use of a keyboard; travel to meet with clients at residential placement facilities throughout Montgomery County and Pennsylvania; occasional travel to out-of-state placement facilities may be required; reliable transportation required.

Requirements

Four years of experience in criminal justice or a social services related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in a criminal justice or social services related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Skills

• Basic computer literacy including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel required.
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills required.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.