Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist

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The Defender Association of Philadelphia seeks a Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist in our Child Advocacy Unit (CAU). The CAU’s collaborative team of attorneys and social workers provide high quality, client centered legal representation to dependent clients who range in age from birth to 21 years, advocate in court for the delivery of effective community-based services for our clients and their families and develop an appropriate permanency plan for every child and youth. The Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist is a temporary, grant funded position and is not guaranteed to be funded beyond three years. The Peer Advocate Specialist will work with clients from three youth-serving units at the Defender Association. In addition to serving our clients in the CAU, this role will support our clients being represented by our Juvenile Special Defense Unit (JSDU) and our Children & Youth Justice Unit (CYJ). The Peer Advocate Specialist will join this holistic team to support system-involved older youth. The mission of this role is threefold; (1) to ensure pregnant and parenting clients  have access to essential resources and services concerning public benefits, taxes and housing to prepare for life for themselves and their child, (2) to work with CYJ and JSDU clients and their families that have children 0-8 in the household to access public benefits, tax and housing information; and (3) strengthen individuals, and the communities we serve by promoting self-sufficiency self-determination, and community engagement.

The ideal candidate for the role is a former system (dependency, delinquency, mental health) involved youth who has transitioned out of the system at least two to three years ago. The ideal candidate will have at least a base level understanding of public benefits. 

The position of the Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist requires the management of a caseload of approximately 20 pregnant and parenting older youth or families of our CYJ and JSDU units. The Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist will routinely visit older youth in court, the community and office setting and consult with the client’s team to assess a clients’ well-being, as well as the approach and support needed to assist the youth.  The Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist will prepare detailed case notes and data on the number of clients served and the outcome of the assistance. 

What You’ll Do

• Be assigned cases based on a referral process completed by clients’ attorneys and/or Social Service staff person
• Supervisor for Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist, Peer Advocate and Atty/Social Service team will conference once case is assigned to allow the Peer Advocate to understand the needs of the client
• Will attend regular supervision and supervisory team meetings
• Complete and maintain thorough documentation of all contact with older youth clients, clients’ families, community providers and PD colleagues to meet grantor’s requirements. 
• Work with grants, finance, and data analyst staff to capture performance measure and implement program evaluation.
• Identify resources for clients’ needs
• Attend all relevant training courses 
• Participate in CAU/CYJ/JSDU department programs, trainings, and staff meetings
• Assist with the development of a resource bank concerning public benefits
• Visit clients in court, community, and through phone or Facetime to build compassionate, trusting, and supportive relationships with clients and to engage and assess the identified need outlined by the attorney/social service team 
• Engage clients in planning their own care and having their voices heard 
• Provide support during the process: ex. assisting with visiting apartments/calling landlords, accessing benefits and tax assistance 
• Share personal knowledge and experience (based on your comfort) about youth servicing systems and resources 
• Actively engage in conversations and implementation of fine tuning the Peer Advocate Benefits Specialist position
• Seek assistance from supervisor as necessary or required 
• Interact with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in a collaborative, professional, supportive and confidential manner. 
• Exhibit commitment to self and the well-being of all in work product and interactions
• Establish and maintain consistent communication with identified Atty and Social Service Staff Person on cases and discuss clients identified need/s while case is assigned.

What You’ll Need

• High School Diploma or GED preferred 
• In college or some college, a plus
• Former experience in child-serving system (youth in foster care or delinquency system) and transitioning out of the system at least two years ago
• Experience with applying for benefits (ex: Medicaid, SNAP, public housing) or understanding of social benefits system a plus
• Demonstrates qualities in leadership 
• Must be able to work with a diverse population
• Team oriented and possess strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness to complete identified training 
• Must be willing to complete child abuse clearance and background checks
• Ability to effectively communicate with management, staff, and youth
• Ability to speak Spanish, a plus 
• Competent written and verbal communication skills
• Travel to court, and within the community to meet with clients as well as occasional travel to conferences and meetings. 

 Benefits & Perks

• Generous and rich benefits plan with a 100% employer paid medical option along with many employer paid benefits
• Substantial paid time off- over 35 PTO days plus all federal holidays off
• We are PSLF Loan Forgiveness eligible employer
• Great wellness benefits
• Six weeks of paid parental leave
• 403(b) Employer Match
• Meaningful & Impactful Work 
• Ongoing Training and Development of You

How to Apply:

Please submit an online application. Please include a resume and cover letter describing your experience and interest in the role. 

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. Our unique model and approach give our staff with the skills and support they need to get the best outcomes for our clients. Come join our team! For more information, go Defender’s website and follow  us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, IG, 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.