FLSA Status: Salary Non-Exempt
EEO-1 Code: 21-1029, Social Workers, All Other
Division/Department: Municipal Court Pre-Trial Unit
Reports to: Chief Municipal Court Pre-Trial Unit
Direct Reports: n/a
Job Summary
This position is funded by the MacArthur Safety and Justice Challenge, and is a new initiative within the Defender Association, designed to help reduce the prison population. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Municipal Court Pre-Trial Unit, the Client Advocate will conduct interviews with individuals after they have been booked at Police Detention Unit (PDU) but prior to their preliminary arraignment. They will collect personal and social histories to be presented to the court at the time bail decisions are made, call family and social supports, and provide assistance and recommendations if and when released. The Client Advocate will be the Defender Association’s first contact, and will support holistic, client-centered advocacy.
This is an 18-month grant funded program, and there is no guarantee of continued funding.
Major Areas of Responsibility
• Conduct initial, in-person interviews with clients at Police Detention Unit (8th and Race Street) to evaluate client’s history, physical and mental needs and develop a comprehensive understanding of the mitigating factors that can and will impact pre-trial release decisions
• Prepare reports to document information obtained about the client’s personal, social, and familial history
• Promptly communicate information to the assigned attorney
• Communicate with family to coordinate posting of bail, appear at hearings, and understand
• Identify social service needs and or other referrals that are necessary in preparing client’s case, i.e. Investigation
• Follow-up with clients to assist with case development and ensure client appears at court, when appropriate.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, or related field, preferred.
• One to two years related work experience
• Demonstrated commitment to equal justice and the rights of those accused
• Bilingual must be fluent in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work well with others and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, responsible, and highly motivated.
Send cover letter and resume to: Sherri Darden, HR Manager, Defender Association of Philadelphia, 1441 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102; or email to [email protected].