Client Services Coordinator

Role:Client Services Coordinator

Location: New York City, Lower Manhattan

Hours: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Hybrid

Salary: $62,730.00 - $73,604.00

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF THE APPELLATE DEFENDER (OAD):

OAD is the second oldest institutional provider of appellate representation in New York City. For 38 years, OAD has stood as a beacon of hope for people at the intersection of poverty and injustice. Our clients have been convicted of felony offenses in Manhattan and/or the Bronx and have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment and post-release supervision. Despite the circumstances of our clients’ offenses, convictions, and sentences, we believe in the humanity and dignity of every human being which informs our client-centered, trauma-informed advocacy. We are a beloved community of colleagues who are dedicated to public defense, access to justice, and racial equity.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

OAD seeks a Client Services Coordinator to assist OAD’s clients with needs beyond their legal representation, including preparing persuasive packets to submit to the New York State Board of Parole advocating for clients’ release; advocating for clients regarding conditions of confinement issues; assisting clients with reentry needs upon release from incarceration; liaising between clients and external providers including the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; offering clients mental health support when needed; gathering and organizing documents; and drafting correspondence to clients and other involved parties. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to social and criminal justice, an appreciation of the obstacles faced by our clients – including issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and immigration status – and the ability to work effectively in a diverse and progressive office environment. They will be a flexible self-starter who is willing to tackle new projects and take on additional work, as needed.

Every staff member is expected to incorporate OAD’s core values Human-Centered practice, Zealous Representation and Advocacy, Respect and Civility, Trust, and Collaboration into their work and interactions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• You are deeply committed to social and criminal justice, have one to four years of related work experience, and are able to work with many interested parties such as corrections, courts, families, and community services.
• Social workers and justice impacted individuals strongly encouraged to apply. Life experience and professional experience will be considered.
• You are an active listener and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• You have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and efficiently.
• You are a strong team player who can also work independently on projects.
• You maintain composure and positivity in stressful situations.
• You are client-centered with working knowledge of trauma informed interviewing
• You are willing to take on new projects such as reception coverage and other administrative tasks as the needs of the office or practice change.
• Experience working with city and state corrections is a plus.
• Fluency in languages other than English a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advocating for clients through OAD’s Parole Advocacy Project:
  • Collecting background records, and securing letters of support and letters of reasonable assurance;
  • Conducting client interviews;
  • Writing persuasive parole advocacy letters and packets;
  • Preparing clients for parole interview hearings;
  • Managing and updating databases of parole-eligible clients.
• Supporting clients during and after their incarceration:
  • Responding to calls from clients and their family members;
  • Working with clients and prisons to address conditions of confinement issues;
  • Digitizing, filing, and responding to client letters, questionnaires and releases;
• Scheduling advocacy calls and visits with clients, including those incarcerated in prison facilities throughout New York State.
• Organizing prison visits and visiting clients in prison facilities throughout New York State;
• Maintaining various database entries for OAD’s pending cases;
• Corresponding with court and prison staff;
• Assisting with various administrative tasks, including reception and mail coverage, when necessary.

BENEFITS:

• Generous vacation time and 14 paid holidays, including Summer Fridays where the office closes early;
• 401(k) with a defined contribution of 3.5% from OAD regardless of participation;
• Personal, Bereavement and sick days given on the first day of employment;
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision and life benefits, flexible spending, and health reimbursement account.

TO APPLY:

To join our community, please apply with a cover letter, and resume here. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses:

1. Alignment with Mission
   Your interest in working at the Office of the Appellate Defender and alignment with our mission, values, and client-centered approach.
2. Relevant Skills & Experience
   The skills and experiences that prepare you to succeed in this role.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. OAD is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. OAD will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role.

OAD is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

You are eligible to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

**************************NO AGENCIES PLEASE **************************