Client Recovery Advocate - Public Defense Services

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

9d • $21 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

Join us in transforming lives by providing comprehensive support and resources to clients navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system and beyond. Public Defense Services Department is seeking a Client Recovery Advocate (CRA) to assist justice involved individuals with advocacy and connection to a variety of community resources including employment, behavioral health treatment, housing, education, etc. Using a recovery-based approach, the CRA assists clients in the community and at the Pima County Adult Detention Center to access resources in order to address the reasons clients often are involved with the justice system. The CRA models recovery through coaching and mentoring in order to assist clients in navigating the behavioral health and legal system. This role also works in collaboration with the holistic defense team to identify, access, and advocate for support services that ensure clients’ success in their recovery. This position is in the Public Defense Services (PDS) Department, Public Defender Division. For more information on the Pima County Public Defense Services Department and the offices in this department, please visit their website at: www.pima.gov/pds.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalency AND certification from a formalized program in the area of peer support or behavioral health support, including but not limited to Peer Recovery Support Specialist, Recovery Support Specialist, Behavioral Health Specialist, or Behavioral Health Technician certifications. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
• Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience with the criminal justice system and a demonstrated commitment to supporting others in reentry and justice system navigation.
• Current Peer Support Certification.
• Experience working with justice-involved individuals or in a reentry support setting.
• Knowledge of community-based resources, including housing, behavioral health services, employment programs, and other support relevant to justice system reentry.
• Experience conducting needs assessments or screenings and making individualized service referrals.
• Experience in case management systems or client data tracking tools for accurate and timely recordkeeping.
• Experience building trust and rapport with clients, providing encouragement, support, and resources to individuals with justice system involvement, utilizing best practices and evidence-based programming.
• Experience coordinating with diverse stakeholders, including service providers, law enforcement, courts, correctional staff, and community-based organizations.
• Experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care principles.

Responsibilities

• Engages with and interviews clients, maintaining confidentiality of those communications, and makes determinations by comparing information to established criteria
• Provides clients with information about accessible community resources and stays updated on both new and existing options
• Advocates on behalf of clients in matters concerning the justice system
• Assists clients in preparation for probation, incarceration, or other justice system consequences
• Provides support for adults and youths in jail and detention
• Provides support for parents in dependency proceedings
• Provides guidance and mentorship to clients based on personal experiences with the justice system
• Communicates regarding available resources effectively, both orally and in writing
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with clients, co-workers, and members of other community agencies
• Understands and relates to the issues of diverse groups of individuals
• Enters data into a case management system
• Maintains records and prepares reports
• Reads, understands, and follows policies and procedures

Benefits

• Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.
• Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED