Client Advocate

New York County Defender Services•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

New York County Defender Services (NYCDS) is a nonprofit criminal defense law firm for the City and State of New York. The goal of NYCDS has always been to provide the highest quality criminal representation for those ensnared in the criminal justice system. A mission like this requires an unyielding desire to serve. With a staff of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative professionals, we strive to provide the greatest good for our clients which not only includes legal representation but also assisting clients with an array of social services. The Social Work Unit is responsible for conducting client assessments, gathering relevant records, making referrals to treatment programs and social service providers, drafting pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memoranda and working with attorneys at various phases throughout the duration of the criminal case. The office employs a team-based client centered representation model that incorporates outstanding interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making. The Client Advocate will assist in all social work aspects of defense strategies. This is a two-year position (with the option to renew for a third year).

Requirements

Bachelors Degree
Temperament to work on time sensitive and intense cases
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the unit and the office at large
Strong engagement, interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, ethnicities, experiences, and areas of expertise
Aptitude to meet stringent deadlines
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be proactive and resourceful, and remain calm under pressure

Nice To Haves

Public defense social work experience
Experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems
Spanish language speaker

Responsibilities

Making referrals to mental health and drug programs after interviewing clients and learning of their specific needs
Corresponding with mental health and substance abuse programs regarding client referrals
Obtaining program compliance letters for court personnel
Requesting relevant records, including CHS and hospital records
Drafting subpoenas
Reviewing and summarizing medical records
Escorting clients being released from jail to programs
Attending and supporting clients in court appearances
Performing weekly wellness checks on incarcerated clients
Sending clothing/books, etc. to incarcerated clients or bringing items to court
Conducting research related to mental health and substance abuse issues
Corresponding with clients or family members to obtain case related information
Researching and identifying out of city and language specific programming for clients
Possibility of writing mitigation notes and other written advocacy with supervision