Client Advocate Coordinator

Summary

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager and as a member of the leadership team, this position provides a holistic approach to client-centered advocacy for indigent individuals in the legal system. The Client Advocate Program Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the successful planning, development, and administration of the Client Advocate Program. The Client Advocate Program seeks to connect clients with substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, housing, employment, and other needed services. Supervisory duties include oversight, training, supervision, and administrative support to one or more Client Advocates. This position also serves as the Placement Site Supervisor for student fellows in the Michigan Holistic Defense Fellowship Program. The Client Advocate Program Coordinator will work collaboratively with management, attorney supervisors, and assistant public defenders and other staff to ensure a team-based approach to public defense.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Job Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree with at least two years of relevant experience, preferably in a public defense setting.
• Supervisory and administrative experience is not required but strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the criminal legal system, preferably in Michigan.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a legal services team atmosphere.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent disruptions.
• Willingness to access clients and witnesses in correctional facilities and testify in court.
• Ability to work compassionately and respectfully with clients in crisis.
• Understanding of mental health signs and symptoms, the effects of trauma, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and the impacts of social, cultural, historical, political, religious, racial, environmental, and ethnic influences on behavior.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to organize, interpret, and synthesize large quantities of information into persuasive and compelling written narratives; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with highly sensitive information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position provides direct supervision including hiring, discipline, training/development, and termination of the following positions:

• One Client Advocate and student Fellows and Interns

Working Conditions
Hybrid Work Classification: Hybrid Eligible
Flexible Classification: Flexible Schedule Eligible

• Normal office environment with occasional discomfort due to heat, dust, and noise.
• Extended workdays (beyond 8 hours/day or Saturday/Sunday) are occasionally required.
• Availability to handle work problems, attend meetings, handle emergencies/crisis situations is occasionally required.
• Up to 20% of the time may include travel and time in other locations.