CLIENT ADVOCATE (OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER)
About this role
Cook County Offices Under The President |
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Provides client-centered support to individuals engaged with the Defense Center throughout the legal process. Coordinates with attorneys, therapists, social workers, probation officers, placement agencies, family members, and other support systems to ensure continuity of care. Assesses collateral consequences associated with involvement in the criminal legal system and facilitates referrals to appropriate legal resources. Assists clients in accessing, navigating, and maintaining participation in programs that provide alternatives to incarceration, promoting stabilization and successful outcomes.
Minimum Qualifications
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology or a directly related field and
• Two (2) years experience providing social services, case management, resource coordination, reentry service to justice-involved, formerly incarcerated, or economically disadvantaged populations, or directly related experience or is required or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required.
Candidates who are contacted will be required to produce original required documents (e.g., current driver’s license, diploma, school transcript, certifications, etc.) listed on the Notice of Job Opportunity within five (5) days of being extended an offer, in writing, by the Bureau Chief of BHR (or designee). Candidates will be notified of how to submit required documents.
Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States territories and Canada, must be credentialed by the World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or a National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) member organization.
• Knowledge of basic procedures and processes in the Cook County adult criminal court system.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations and social service providers.
• Ability to make regular contact with clients, community-based organizations, and service providers to compile and review important, detailed personal and confidential information.
• Skill and experience in interacting with and interviewing people with varying backgrounds and education levels.
• Experience in culturally proficient practices in managing a diverse client caseload
• Exceptional verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ablility to organize and prioritize caseloads, calendar, and work assignments.
• Ability to travel to various work locations throughout Cook County.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
Physical Requirements:
Light Work involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job/occupation is rated Light Work when it requires: (1) walking or standing to a significant degree; (2) sitting most of the time while pushing or pulling arm or leg controls; or (3) working at a production rate pace while constantly pushing or pulling materials even though the weight of the materials is negligible.
- MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.
- IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A VETERAN ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION BY ANSWERING YES TO THE QUESTION “Are you a military veteran?”
- ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (NOTICE OF SEPARATION) AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING. IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE DD 214S, 215S, OR NGB 22S, PLEASE SUBMIT THE ONE WITH THE LATEST DATE. COAST GUARD MUST SUBMIT A CERTIFIED COPY OF THE MILITARY SEPARATION FROM EITHER THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (BEFORE 911) OR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (AFTER 911).
The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs can assist you with obtaining a certified DD214 and having it recorded for you at no charge. Please contact [email protected]
Group and Voluntary Benefits Offered:
· Medical, Dental, and Vision
· Basic Term Life Insurance
· Pension Plan
· Deferred Compensation Program
· Employee Assistance Program
· Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
· Voluntary Benefits
· You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
· For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
Salary Range: $$66,521- $73,430/Yearly
The County has a hybrid work environment which allows employees telecommuting and flexible scheduling options.
Falsification of any information in the application process will result in disqualification, dismissal after hire, and/or placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. For current County employees, such falsification may result in discipline, up to and including termination, and placement on the County’s Ineligible for Rehire List for a period of two (2) or five (5) years. See Cook County Code of Ordinances, Article II, Sections 44-54 Unlawful Practices Relating to Employees and Employment - Penalty, 44-56 Political Discrimination; Cook County Employment Plan, Section V.N. Pre-Interview License and Certification Verification; Supplemental Policy No. 2014-2.13 Ineligible for Rehire List; and Cook County Personnel Rules 3.3(b) (7) (d)
EEO Statement
Cook County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. Cook County prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute or ordinance as further defined in Chapter 44. Human Resources, Article II. Personnel Polices, Section 44-53 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances and Chapter 42. Human Relations, Article II. Human Rights, Section 42-35 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances.
NOTE: As an internal candidate, should you be offered the position, salary allocations shall abide by the Cook County Personnel Rules.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Social Media Disclaimer
The County’s hiring process is governed by the Cook County Employment Plan which prohibits employment actions from being influenced by any Political Reasons or Factors for Non-Exempt Positions. The advertisement of this position by any individual does not constitute an offer or promise of employment, promotion, or any other employment action and shall not influence the County’s hiring decision. Cook County officials and employees who become aware of or receive a complaint that involves an allegation of Political Reasons or Factors being considered in the hiring process of Non-Exempt positions are obligated to refer the complaint to the Cook County - Office of the Inspector General. If the Cook County Inspector General sustains allegations of Political Reasons or Factors being considered, Cook County will disqualify the Applicant or Candidate from consideration for employment and disciplinary action will be imposed on any involved Cook County employees, if applicable.
Please contact [email protected] for inquiries about this position
Company at a glance
Welcome to Cook County, IL, the second-most populous county in America with more than 5 million residents. We have long been a global beacon of opportunity and progress, driving ways to grow with our diverse residents, businesses, organizations, and universities.
Led by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, we take pride in running an open, honest, and efficient government that provides high-quality services to our dynamic center for culture, industry, and travel.
HOW WE WORK FOR COOK COUNTY
Our mission is driven by the Policy Roadmap, a five-year comprehensive policy which aims to foster safe, thriving, and healthy communities through six policy priorities:
- Promoting healthy families through access to community-based healthcare and other public health services;
- Promoting equitable economic and community development;
- Supporting the criminal justice system and the administration of court services;
- Ensuring that Cook County provides responsive, transparent services and develops a thriving workforce that reflects the communities served;
- Providing an innovative infrastructure that will change how we live, work and connect; and
- Supporting healthy, resilient communities that thrive economically, socially, and environmentally.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
- Fiscal Responsibility
- Innovative Leadership
- Transparency & Accountability
- Improved Services
Top Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Basic term life insurance
- Pension plan
- Deferred compensation program
- Employee assistance program
- Paid holidays
- Vacation time
- Sick time
- Public service loan forgiveness program
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