Client Relations Coordinator, Trial Bureau

Client Relations Coordinator, Trial Bureau

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

16954

Department

Public Defenders Office

Opening Date

07/17/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 12:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About the Harris County Public Defender's 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

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

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 but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will 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.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the Countys behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or GED diploma
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Do you have experience working with justice-involved individuals, underserved populations, or community-based organizations?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have experience in client advocacy, peer support, case management, social services, community outreach, behavioral health, education, or related fields?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience working with culturally diverse populations?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have a relevant professional certification?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you bilingual in English and Spanish? If yes, do you consider yourself fluent?

• Yes, I am fluent in both of these languages
• No, I am fluent in only one of these languages
• No, I am not fluent in either one of these languages

Required Question

Employer Harris County

Address 1111 Fannin St

Ste. 600

Houston, Texas, 77002

Phone 713-274-5445

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx