Client Advocate

State of North Carolina•Henderson, NC

About The Position

The Public Defender's Office, District 42, serving Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties, is seeking a Client Advocate to help clients and attorneys navigate gaps in access to treatment, mediation, public benefits, and other social determinants that contribute to criminal court involvement. The advocate engages directly with court-appointed defendants throughout their cases, identifies needs, and connects clients with appropriate services. This is a full-time, time-limited, grant-funded position. Funding ends January 31, 2028. The salary range is $49,690 to $58,710.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and one year of work experience in a human services field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system; public and private organizations and community resources; alternative treatment or placement facilities in and outside North Carolina; and funding sources for those facilities.
Excellent written, organizational, and writing skills.
Communication and advocacy skills.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work with a diverse population and welcome individuals with lived experience with recovery.
Ability to meet high demands and deadlines associated with advocating for consumers’ rights in the criminal justice system.
Ability to develop and conduct educational seminars.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Active North Carolina driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work or another human services field and two years of experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Certified Peer Support Specialists and Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professionals are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Assist public defenders by providing information that supports favorable case outcomes and may reduce clients’ further contact with the court system.
Provide reports and updates to attorneys.
Help clients identify appropriate treatment options and assist with enrollment, logistics, and other needs that support admission and completion.
Assist clients with accessing health care and securing stable housing.
Connect clients with supportive community resources.
Interview clients in and out of jail custody.
Track grant-required output and outcome measurements through data collection.
Develop relationships with local organizations and resources to facilitate advocacy.
Build relationships with clients to understand and identify their challenges.
Travel throughout Henderson, Polk, and Transylvania counties.