Client Advocate – Juvenile Division Position Available In Davidson, Tennessee

Client Advocate

• Juvenile Division Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nashville/jobs/newprint/4981983) Apply  Client Advocate
• Juvenile Division Salary $57,958.26
• $75,342.

80 Annually Location Nashville, TN Job Type Full-Time Non Civil Service Job Number

PD063151

Department Public Defender Opening Date 06/23/2025 + Description + Benefits + Questions Position Description The Metropolitan Public Defender’s Office represents adults accused of crimes in Davidson County who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, and children in Davidson County charged with being delinquent and unable to hire a lawyer. Cases range from the simplest misdemeanor to complex capital murder cases. Our mission is to defend the liberty, honor and constitutional rights of the individuals, of all ages, whose cases have been entrusted to us. Through zealous advocacy, we strive not only to deliver excellence in our representation of each and every client, but also to stand with our clients and the community in working to create a more just, fair and compassionate legal system. The guiding principle of the Office is that each client is entitled to quality representation that recognizes the client’s dignity and achieves the best possible outcome for the case. Our attorneys, investigators, client advocates, social workers and legal assistants take great pride in providing a high level of service. This is a Non-Civil service announcement. Client Advocates work to support our mission and assist clients with access to resources and treatment as well as provide support to the defense team in development of release plans and mitigation. This is a writing intensive position. We are seeking candidates who have a passion for social justice and specifically for the issues surrounding indigent defense and the criminal legal system. Candidates are strongly encouraged to learn more about our organization online before applying: http://publicdefender.nashville.gov Typical Duties Major Job Responsibilities + Consultation with attorneys regarding potential mental illness, substance use disorder, and/or intellectual and developmental issues of clients: + Identify client’s challenges and barriers to receiving services + Assist in discerning the need for forensic evaluations + Build trust with client using empathy, active listening, and a client centered approach + Work with attorneys by utilizing education on social service processes and strategic mitigation + Interview clients and document their history + Meet with clients and family in the detention center to develop alternatives to pretrial secure confinement. Create a summary and plan the attorney can submit to court. + Provide referral, case management and support including school visits and collaboration with providers to ensure timely delivery of services (refers primarily to outpatient/ community based programs) + Facilitation of treatment admissions and service brokerage: + Identify appropriate treatment options (mental health, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, etc.) + Facilitate and troubleshoot through the application and admission process + Request and review medical records, records from child welfare agencies, and educational records. + Assist with education advocacy for students with disabilities and students experiencing exclusionary discipline + Emergency assistance: + Assist clients in crisis + Assist clients in need of necessities (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc.) + Meet with children in detention experiencing emotional dysregulation or difficulty + Provide regular visitation and support to clients’ experiencing long-term incarceration pending disposition of the case + Advocate for youth currently in residential treatment settings and/or the child welfare system to ensure appropriate and timely services and reunification. + Emphasize cultural competence when interacting with clients that identify as: people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental illness, addiction, and homelessness, children involved with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. etc. + Defense team support and consultation on all delinquency cases + Testify in court + Develop strong collaborations with community-based agencies, organizations, and universities + keeping updated information on referral processes + Accurate record keeping + Document work with clients + Write reports + Attend trainings and continuing education as needed Minimum Qualifications + Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, sociology, or a related discipline , AND Two (2) years or more experience working in a social services agency, working with marginalized communities, or working in the criminal justice system + Master’s Degree in counseling, psychology, social work, sociology, or a related discipline preferred, AND One (1) year experience working in a social services agency, working with marginalized communities, or working in the criminal justice system + Experience with and knowledge of the child welfare system and juvenile justice system (DCS), educational systems, and provider systems that serve adolescents and families. Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note:

Per Metro Ordinance No.

SO94-1078.

All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government. We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations. Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to Candice Humphrey at 615-862-5565 or candicechumphrey@jisnashville.gov Metro offers a generous core benefit package to eligible employees who are regularly and consistently working 20 or more hours per week. Insurance and benefit coverage is effective the first of the month after the employee has worked 30 days. Employees can change their benefits within 60 days of an eligible change in status or during Annual Enrollment. Metro also offers optional benefits from which the employee may choose. Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs.

CORE BENEFITS

Medical:

Choice of two plans; Metro pays 75% of premium

Dental:

Choice of two plans; Metro pays for single coverage

Basic Life:

$50,000 basic term life coverage; Metro pays 100% of premium

Pension:

Formula-driven pension; 100% Metro funded; 10 year vesting for new employees

Paid Family Leave:

Runs concurrently with time designated as FMLA leave (up to 30 days)

Longevity:

Annual bonus beginning after 5 years of service; increases annually up to 20 years

Work Life/ Employee Assistance Program:

Wide variety of counseling, referral and consultation services provided free Other

• : In-line-of-duty injury benefits, AD&D insurance, and Medical Disability eligibility after 10 years with Metro Paid leave: (Full-time employees) +

Vacation:

10 vacation days a year; increasing after 5 years of service (For Non Civil Service departments, contact the department’s human resources office) +

Holidays:

12 holidays per year (For Non Civil Service departments, contact the department’s human resources office) + Sick leave: 12 days of sick leave per year + Other leaves: Judicial leave, military leave, bereavement leave

• See the Human Resources webpage for more details and optional benefits at nashville.

gov/hr 01 Indicate the highest level of education you have completed. + High School Diploma or Equivalent + Associate’s Degree + Bachelor’s Degree + Master’s Degree 02 How many years of professional experience do you have in a Client Advocate or Social Work setting? + No Experience + Less than 1 year + 1-2 years + 3-4 years + 5 or more years 03 Are you fluent with Spanish and English, in both written and spoken word? + Yes + No 04 Do you have a background or experience in Journalism? + Yes + No Required Question Employer Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County Address Human Resources Department 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 201 Nashville, Tennessee, 37210 Phone (615) 862-6640 Website http://www.nashville.gov/Human-Resources/Employment-Opportunities.aspx Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email