Metro Nashville Government
Client Advocate
Metro Nashville Government - Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37247
Work at Metro Nashville Government
Overview
- View job
Overview
Client Advocate
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nashville/jobs/newprint/4876184)
Apply
Client Advocate
Salary
$57,958.26 - $75,342.80 Annually
Location
Nashville, TN
Job Type
Full-Time Non Civil Service
Job Number
PD06315
Department
Public Defender
Opening Date
03/19/2025
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. Social Worker Seniors serve as Client Advocates on the Client Services and Mitigation team. They 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 justice 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
Provide re-entry documentation
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
Emergency assistance:
Assist clients in crisis
Assist clients in need of necessities (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc.)
Provide regular visitation and support to clients’ experiencing long-term incarceration pending disposition of the case
Emphasize cultural competence when interacting with clients that identify as: people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental illness, addiction, and homelessness, etc.
Defense team support and consultation on major felony cases
Testify in court
Develop strong collaborations with community-based agencies, organizations, and universities
Accurate record keeping:
Document work with clients
Writing 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 degree, 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
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
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nashville/jobs/newprint/4876184)
Apply
Client Advocate
Salary
$57,958.26 - $75,342.80 Annually
Location
Nashville, TN
Job Type
Full-Time Non Civil Service
Job Number
PD06315
Department
Public Defender
Opening Date
03/19/2025
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. Social Worker Seniors serve as Client Advocates on the Client Services and Mitigation team. They 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 justice 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
Provide re-entry documentation
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
Emergency assistance:
Assist clients in crisis
Assist clients in need of necessities (food, clothing, shelter, transportation, etc.)
Provide regular visitation and support to clients’ experiencing long-term incarceration pending disposition of the case
Emphasize cultural competence when interacting with clients that identify as: people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental illness, addiction, and homelessness, etc.
Defense team support and consultation on major felony cases
Testify in court
Develop strong collaborations with community-based agencies, organizations, and universities
Accurate record keeping:
Document work with clients
Writing 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 degree, 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
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