Social Services Advocate - Legal Defender

in Coconino County, AZ

Job Description

The Social Services Advocate works closely with attorneys in the Legal Defender Office to perform professional work of considerable difficulty in evaluating and investigating the circumstances that led to their client's involvement in the child welfare, criminal and juvenile justice and guardianship systems.  The advocate will also perform some case management services; identifying and facilitating social and behavioral health services for the clients.  

Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in evaluating, investigating and managing the safety, well-being and needs of court appointed child and family, performs related duties as assigned.

Please note: This position is currently part time 28 hours per week with the potential to increase in the future. 

            (Illustrative Only)

• Accesses and reviews court, medical, psychiatric, etc., records for information pertinent to the case
• Locates and interview family members, alleged incapacitated persons, social service providers, and any other significant parties involved
• Reviews circumstances of alleged incapacitated persons or minors
• Conducts fact and criminal mitigation investigation
• Analyzes gathered information in accordance with laws governing dependency and mental health matters
• Writes assessment investigative reports to members of the court with recommendations Conducts home visits
• Attends child and family team meetings and individual education plan meetings
• Investigates kinship placements
• Supervises family visitation
• Conducts fact and criminal mitigation investigation
• Evaluates the necessity for social and behavioral services and facilitates services for children, family and mentally disabled
• Reviews circumstances of alleged incapacitated persons or minors
• Analyzes gathered information in accordance with laws governing dependency and mental health matters
• Writes assessment investigative reports to members of the court with recommendation

Considerable knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of case management
• Federal, state, and local laws, policies, state statutes and administrative rules pertaining to dependency and mental health matters
• Preparing and writing reports
• Court policies and procedures
• Conducting child and family investigations 

• Conducting home visits and investigations
• Interviewing and counseling
• Business English and report writing 

• Analyze complex child and family behavioral issues
• Exercise professional level independent judgement
• Objectively evaluate emotional situations
• Write meaningful reports that will provide guidance to members of the court
• Work with diverse population
• Deal impartially with individuals of various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Maintain confidentiality
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, appointed department directors, staff, other agencies, the media and the general public
• Work safely and support the culture of workplace safety
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing