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Social Services Re-entry Advocate

Make a difference! Become a Defender!

As a Social Services Re-Entry Advocate at the Defender Association, you will be on the front lines to help reduce recidivism. This unique role bridges the gap between incarceration and re-entering the community, providing essential support to help reduce recidivism and help our client reclaim their lives. This role will be uniquely positioned to impact and improve client outcomes through direct services work and light case management. The Re-Entry Advocate role will be hybrid – serving both clients recently released from custody through the Philadelphia Department of Prisons re-entry trailer and clients in the community through the Defender Office at the Criminal Justice Center. This role will work alongside dedicated attorneys to provide high-impact direct services, navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system to ensure every client has a fighting chance at a fresh start

What You’ll Do

Staff the Philadelphia Department of Prisons Re-entry Trailer to connect with defendants being released from custody
Conduct needs-based assessments for released individuals
Provide basic information related to global legal picture, including next court date, where to report, and basic “next steps” or expectations
Identify clients who will benefit from comprehensive re-entry planning and connection to service providers
Make referrals for post-release services and conduct follow-up with clients upon release
Work collaboratively to address hurdles and make changes to improve client outcomes
Contact and interview clients, when applicable, both pre-release and post-release
Answer calls and questions from clients on supervision, family members, and service providers
Communicate with clients through different platforms: letters, phone calls, video conferencing, in person, etc.
Update client files and input information pertaining to hearings into client management system
Staff the Defender Association office at the Criminal Justice Center to assist with clients on bail to connect with resources and provide necessary follow-up
Assist with other department duties as needed

What You’ll Need

MSW, LSW, Certified Peer Specialist or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience
Minimum two years’ experience working with clients in criminal justice proceedings and/or experience with high-risk/high-needs populations, preferred
Possesses a comprehensive understanding of the social services delivery systems, including mental health, substance abuse, community-based resources, and re-entry supports (strongly preferred)
Proficiency and/or familiarity with motivational interviewing, trauma informed approaches, cognitive behavioral approaches, and a strengths-based focus therapy is highly desired
Ability to engage effectively with both participants and colleagues through verbal and written communication
Skilled in documenting computer-based participant records in an accurate and timely manner
Good interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills
Organized with attention to detail.
Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with attorneys, clients, office and court personnel, oftentimes under considerable pressure
Proficient in Google Drive, Microsoft Office Suite or similar software and computer literacy including the ability to learn multiple internal and external computer systems
Demonstrated ability to work independently, multitask, and use sound judgment.

Ability to travel to City courtrooms, prisons and community placements, as needed
Staff the trailer outside of Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility as needed

Benefits & Perks

Generous and rich benefits plan including choice of affordable medical plans, and employer paid: dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability insurance and professional liability insurance
Substantial paid time off- close to 35 days off plus all federal holidays
Retirement Savings Employer Match
Paid parental leave
Free Septa Anywhere Key Card
Public Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
Meaningful Work
Wellness Benefits
Ongoing Training and Development of You

This position is currently funded through a grant from the Office of Public Safety, with the current budget cycle set through June 30, 2026. Please note that while this role is contingent upon grant availability, our organization has successfully and consistently secured this funding year-over-year.

To apply

Salary ranges from $59,000 to $61,000 with an excellent benefits package. Please apply online and include resume, cover letter detailing your interest and experience.

Who is the Defender Association?

The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers.

The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, Tiktok) and on LinkedIn.

The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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