Client Advocate (office Of The Public Defender)

Cook County Offices

Under The President

Administrative Hearings

Auditor

Bureau of Administration

Bureau of Economic Development

Bureau of Finance

Bureau of Human Resources

Bureau of Technology

Facilities

Office of the President

Job Summary

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 and

• Two (2) years experience providing social services, case management, resource coordination, reentry service to justice-involved, formerly incarcerated, or economically disadvantaged populations, or directly related experience or is required or

• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.

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).

Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.



*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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• 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 make regular contact with clients, community-based organizations, and service providers to compile and review important, detailed personal and confidential information.

• Skill and experience in interacting with and interviewing 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.

• Ablility to organize and prioritize caseloads, calendar, and work assig...