GRAND JUNCTION CO 81501
About the Colorado State Public Defender
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with nearly 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate. We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Job Description
This classification describes the entry level professional responsible for performing duties to support clients. Advocates will support public defender clients throughout the legal process, helping to identify client priorities, connect clients with community social services, and assess and alleviate potential enmeshed penalties of legal system contact. All employees are expected to actively contribute to a workplace culture that values and respects diversity. This includes engaging respectfully with colleagues, participating in DEIB initiatives, and supporting programs that promote equity and positive impact within the organization and the communities we serve.
Public Defender Client Advocates serve as part of the defense team, and as such, are bound by the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct including rules regarding the attorney-client privilege and client confidentiality. Client Advocates perform duties and assume responsibility for case assignments under the specific direction, instruction and guidance of a defense attorney.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct client interviews and build relationships with clients to understand their priorities, identify potential enmeshed penalties of arrest, and assess barriers to the client accessing desired services.
- Refer clients, based on their priorities, to community programs and social services such as housing, employment, social and medical benefits, and treatment.
- Identify potential civil, family, and immigration legal needs with a nexus to the client’s criminal case and refer clients to legal partners for consultation and representation.
- Build partnerships with local community organizations and government agencies to maintain knowledge about available services and facilitate access for clients.
- Develop and maintain a resource guide of available social and legal services in the local community and in the county more broadly.Advocate for clients by engaging with service providers, landlords, employers, and others, conveying clients’ stories and needs in a compelling way that gets results.
- In coordination with attorneys, write persuasive narratives and recommendations to be used in court proceedings.
- Coordinate with legal and social service teams to facilitate collaboration and communication on client cases.
- Maintain detailed knowledge of court processes and requirements; share information with clients and their families about the criminal legal process and assist clients in overcoming barriers to meeting court requirements.
- Collect and report data about your work and achievements.
- Case advocates work directly to help meet housing, employment, educational, health and mental health needs for clients.Connect with clients to learn more about the problems they are facing and their goals.
- Depending on your clients’ needs, creatively assist with issues like clearing past criminal convictions, preparing for child services interventions, accessing public benefits, maintaining work licenses, finding and maintaining housing, and obtaining mental health counseling or substance use treatment.
- Partner closely with attorneys to provide relevant information and documents for clients’ criminal cases and other legal issues
- Build a network of local services, community organizations, and civil attorneys so that you can appropriately refer and advocate for clients.
- Use your detailed knowledge of court processes and requirements to help your clients navigate these institution
- Advocate for clients with service providers, attorneys, judges, landlords, employers, and others, telling your clients’ stories in a compelling way that gets results
- Collaborate with your teammates to share knowledge, brainstorm solutions, and build a community.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned. (non-essential)
Requirements
Minimal Educational & Professional Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Preferred Qualifications:
- A demonstrated interest in public service or social justice.
- Strong relationship management skills or customer support experience.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft professional written narratives suitable for submission in court proceedings.
- Comfort in working with minimal oversight and the ability to independently structure your own work.
- Past work or volunteer experience within a public defender office, a legal office serving low-income people, or in social service delivery is preferred.
- Experience bringing trauma-informed approaches to direct service work or enthusiasm for learning how to engage in trauma-informed advocacy.
- Reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements
Employees must be able to meet the physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those of sedentary work. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
- Occasionally required to stoop and kneel;
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time;
- Talking and hearing;
- Reaching with hands and arms, using hands and fingers.
Position Pages
Learn more about this role beyond the specific opening, including typical responsibilities, training, and how the position supports our clients and offices across Colorado.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the Colorado State Public Defender’s online application system.
You will be taken to our official application system (UKG Ready) to submit your application. Applicants may be prompted to create an account.
Cover letter is required. Please upload your cover letter and resume as one combined document. Failure to do so may result in immediate disqualification or the rejection of the application.
Benefits of Working for the OSPD
- Medical Insurance
- Basic Vision Insurance – included with medical plans
- Dental Insurance
- State Paid Life Insurance
- State Paid Short-Term Disability
- FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
- HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
- Flexible Schedules
- 11 paid holidays
- Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
- Colorado PERA
- 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Summary
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
JOB APPLICATION FAIRNESS ACT
Resumes must include dates of employment but, you may redact or remove any information that will identify your age, date of birth or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING:
OSPD is committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone feels respected, accepted, and valued. With this in mind, we strive to create an inclusive workplace that embraces different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. We will continuously review our company policies and hiring practices to foster a fair and equitable work culture.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact us at ADARequest@coloradodefenders.us.