Client Advocate, Women’s Defense Project

Brooklyn Defender Services•New York, NY

2d•$73,000 - $78,000•Onsite

About The Position

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) seeks a Client Advocate to join the Women’s Defense Project (WDP) within its Criminal Defense Practice. The WDP represents female-identifying clients whose histories of trauma have led to involvement in the criminal legal system. The Client Advocate works closely with the WDP team to provide comprehensive support to clients throughout the legal process. The role combines client advocacy, court accompaniment, resource navigation, and legal support, helping clients navigate complex criminal and family court systems. It is based at Brooklyn Defenders’ offices and at courts in Brooklyn and Queens, with frequent travel between those boroughs and occasional travel throughout the five boroughs. The advocate also accompanies clients to appointments with medical providers, law enforcement, and service providers. This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position in the collective bargaining unit. The normal schedule is Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The annual salary range is $73,000–$78,000, determined on a pay scale based on education and experience. Brooklyn Defenders offers health insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, and vacation, sick, holiday, family, and medical leave policies.

Requirements

College degree or four years of equivalent experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
Ability to manage multiple assignments at the same time and ensure tasks are completed fully and on time.
Willingness to make connections with and maintain relationships with service providers throughout the city.
Proficiency in Adobe Pro and Microsoft 365 Suite programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, or ability to learn these applications.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with criminalized survivors of gender-based violence and individuals experiencing crisis.

Responsibilities

Accompany and support clients during court appearances.
Assist clients in completing and submitting crime victim’s assistance applications.
Connect clients with appropriate social, legal, and community-based services.
Provide support and advocacy to clients experiencing crises.
Collaborate with attorneys, social workers, and other WDP team members to ensure clients receive coordinated and responsive support.
Advocate for clients as they navigate criminal and family court systems.
Accompany clients to emergency medical care, forensic exams, appointments with service providers, and other appointments.
Perform other duties as assigned.