What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reentry Social Services Advocate position at Defender Association of Philadelphia?
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The Defender Association of Philadelphia a trauma-informed Reentry Social Service Advocate for the Fresh Start for Youth Reentry This innovative program serves justice-involved youth (11-18) who have experienced long-term detention or placement, significant trauma, and serious charges related to gun or group violence. This position will provide end-to-end case management from detention to community reintegration. The role focuses on reducing recidivism by addressing the underlying factors contributing to justice involvement, including untreated trauma, mental health needs, educational disruption, housing instability, and limited access to positive supports. Working collaboratively with attorneys, families, probation, community providers, violence intervention partners, and other stakeholders, this position will develop individualized service plans that promote long-term stability, accountability, and successful reintegration into the community. This position is fully grant-funded through April 30, 2029: continued employment is strictly contingent upon grant renewal or additional funding.
What You’ll Do:
- Pre-Release Planning: Assess youth prior to release to build rapport and develop individualized reentry plans. Coordinate discharge planning and court preparation alongside attorneys, probation, and families. Participate in treatment team meetings.
- Intensive Case Management: Manage a caseload of 25-30 clients. Provide ongoing pre- and post-release support through regular field visits, crisis intervention, and logistical assistance (e.g., transportation). Monitor compliance with court orders and treatment goals.
- Care Coordination: Manage referrals and advocate for youth across various systems, including mental health, education (including IEP/504 support), housing, independent living, mentoring, substance use, and violence intervention services.
- Youth Development: Facilitate trauma-informed workshops that promote life skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and career readiness.
- Collaboration: Partner closely with Children & Youth Justice attorneys, multidisciplinary teams, and community stakeholders to ensure cohesive care. Attend case conferences. Attend community partnership trainings and meetings as assigned.
- Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate electronic case records, prepare court summaries, and meticulously track performance metrics required by the VIP grant.
What You’ll Need
- Degree in Social Work or related behavioral health field.
- Pennsylvania LSW preferred or license eligible.
- Minimum two years' experience working with justice-involved adolescents.
- Experience providing intensive case management.
- Substantial knowledge of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, and community resources.
- Demonstrated ability or clear potential to manage time-sensitive tasks and high-volume workflows
- Demonstrated collaborative approach in working in a team
- Excellent communication and crisis intervention skills.
- Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of basic administrative/clerical systems and procedures. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to quickly learn multiple internal and external computer systems.
- Requires frequent travel within the Philadelphia area visiting community placements and detention centers. Monthly travel to community placement throughout the state which may include an overnight stay is required.
- Background Clearances: Candidates are required to participate in all mandated state and federal background checks and child abuse clearances prior to employment. Please note that background histories will be evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis.
Benefits & Perks
- Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
- Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
- Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
- Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
- Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
- Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
- Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190
- PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment
To apply
Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Salary is $61,000 to $63,000.
Who is the Defender Association?
The Defender Association of Philadelphia is more than just a law firm. We’re the community’s lawyers. The Defender team – more than 500 attorneys, social workers, investigators, administrators, and other staff – make sure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to high-quality defense when facing criminal charges. Our mission-driven, client-centered model focuses on outcomes that support a system that is fundamentally fair and creates safer, stronger communities. Follow us @PhilllyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.
The Defender Association provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, The Defender Association complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $61,000 - $63,000