Criminal Defense Unit

Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo’s Criminal Defense Unit’s (CDU) Holistic Representation Program provides clients with collaborative advocacy by actively assisting clients with mental health and substance abuse treatment, addressing their civil legal needs and other societal issues that bring them into the criminal justice system, as well as engaging with community organizations.

 We are seeking a candidate for the client advocate position to join the Holistic Representation Program (HRP). This position will be an integral member of the CDU team and will work closely with the social workers and attorneys in identifying, analyzing, and addressing the root causes that have led to a client’s interaction with the criminal justice system. The goal of the HRP is to decrease time of client incarceration, promote diversion and alternatives to sentencing programs, and prevent recidivism.

The Client Advocate serves as the initial representative and point of contact for CDU clients seeking social work services. The qualified candidate is required to have a dedication to working with the criminally charged or incarcerated population and making the client’s experience with LABB as pleasant as possible. The Client Advocate will ensure that clients are assisted in completing all necessary documentation for referral purposes and understand the contents of those documents before signing. They will also make certain that clients understand all the available services.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Commitment to carrying out Legal Aid’s mission and the HRP’s goals.
• Adhere to LABB’s policies and procedures.
• Understand the dynamics and needs of criminally charged and/or incarcerated individuals.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards and respect for confidentiality.
• Establish strong rapport with clients.
• Confer with LABB social workers and attorneys on cases as needed.
• Possess strong connection to or understanding of local communities where clients reside.
• Complete intake process with the client, including assessments and appropriate forms.
• Accompany clients on appointments to secure services when needed.
• Work in a manner that is organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.
• Interview clients and assess client eligibility for needs and services.
• Assist with community education.
• Be involved in program advocacy and networking for social change.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and have excellent organizational skills.
• Take care of yourself by being aware of personal limitations, communicating your needs to others, and asking for help when needed.
• Complete 20 hours of continuing education/training annually.
• Perform other duties, functions, special projects, and responsibilities as assigned and deemed necessary by supervisor.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: 

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree; or
• Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college with an Associate’s degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of related experience; or
• An equivalent combination of demonstrated training and experience.

Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License and a registered vehicle available for use during working hours are required.

Familiarity with Court procedures, Social Service programs, and trauma-informed care is desired. Candidates must have a commitment to working with Criminal Defense Unit clientele.

Fluency in Spanish highly preferred.

This position is full-time. The starting salary is $46,809.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision benefits is available to you and your dependents.  In addition, we offer generous vacation, personal, and sick time.  Other benefits available to you are long-term disability insurance, supplemental term life insurance, parking expense reimbursement plan, transit plan, a flexible spending account, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Many of our staff apply for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc. values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities / Females / Disabled / Veterans / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

Please send your cover letter, at least three references, and resume to: resume@legalaidbuffalo.org or The Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo, Inc., Attention: Human Resources, 290 Main Street, Suite 400, Buffalo, NY 14202 by July 28, 2023.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.