Client Relations Coordinator, Trial Bureau
Job Location:
Houston, TX - USA
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Position Description
About the Harris County Public Defenders Office:
The Harris County Public Defenders Office is committed to providing high-quality client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients protect constitutional rights and promote fairness within the criminal legal system. We value professionalism integrity teamwork and compassionate public service.
Position Overview:
The Client Relations Coordinator serves as a bridge between clients families attorneys and the broader defense team. This position helps clients and their support systems navigate the criminal legal system by providing information support education and communication throughout the life of a case.The Client Relations Coordinator works with clients accused of a wide range of criminal offenses from misdemeanor and state jail felony cases to the most serious first-degree felony charges. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively build trust and support individuals and families navigating complex legal challenges. Successful candidates must be able to engage with clients and families from all backgrounds with professionalism empathy respect and a commitment to client-centered advocacy regardless of the nature of the allegations.
The Client Relations Coordinator works to build trust reduce barriers to engagement and ensure clients and families understand the legal process and available resources. Through advocacy relationship-building and effective communication the Coordinator helps strengthen client-centered representation and supports the defense teams efforts to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.The Harris County Public Defenders Office recognizes that meaningful experience can come from many places including education professional work community engagement and personal or family experiences. We welcome applicants whose backgrounds provide them with a unique understanding of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment.Duties and Responsibilities:
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and family members seeking information guidance and support.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with clients family members and members of the defense team.
- Assist clients and families in understanding court processes case progression and available resources.
- Maintain regular communication with clients and their support systems to identify concerns answer questions and facilitate information sharing.
- Work collaboratively with attorneys investigators social workers mitigation specialists and other members of the defense team.
- Conduct outreach and meet with clients in detention facilities court settings and community locations as needed.
- Help identify barriers affecting client engagement and assist in developing solutions to address those barriers.
- Connect clients and families with community resources and support services when appropriate.
- Assist clients and families in navigating systems that may impact case outcomes including housing employment education healthcare and social services.
- Document client interactions and maintain accurate records in accordance with office policies and procedures.
- Support client-centered advocacy by ensuring client concerns goals and needs are effectively communicated to the defense team.
- Participate in community outreach education and special projects as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
you need special services or accommodations please call or email.
This position is subject to a criminal history check.
Only relevant convictions will be considered and even when considered may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
- High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Strong interpersonal organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to establish trust and maintain professional relationships with clients families and community stakeholders.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to work with individuals experiencing mental health challenges substance use disorders homelessness poverty trauma or other significant life challenges.
Ability and willingness to visit correctional facilities detention centers courts and community locations as needed.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications email and case management systems.
NOTE: Qualifying education experience knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resumewill not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
- Associates degree bachelors degree or relevant professional certification.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Experience working with justice-involved individuals underserved populations or community-based organizations.
- Lived experience with the criminal legal system either personally or through a family member or loved one.
- Experience in client advocacy peer support case management social services community outreach behavioral health education or related fields.
- Knowledge of community resources and service systems within Harris County.
- Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Regular Full-time
- Hours will be discussed during departmental interview.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to attend community events client meetings or other work-related activities.
Employees may be required to perform duties before during and after emergencies or disasters as directed by county leadership.
Salary:- Depends on Qualifications
- Based on 26 Pay Periods
- Plus benefits
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
This position regularly requires work in courtrooms correctional facilities and other criminal legal system settings.
Employees will routinely interact with individuals who are incarcerated individuals in crisis and families experiencing significant stress.
The work may involve exposure to emotionally challenging situations and interactions with individuals experiencing mental health symptoms substance use disorders trauma or other complex circumstances.
The ability to maintain professionalism exercise sound judgment and communicate effectively in challenging situations is essential.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Required Experience:
IC
