Make a difference! Become a Defender!

Are you dedicated to helping and providing trauma-informed advocacy for at-risk children and youth? The Defender Association of Philadelphia is seeking an engaging and collaborative Social Worker/Social Service Advocate for our Child Advocacy Unit (CAU). In this role, you will collaborate closely with attorneys to protect the best interests and the legal rights of dependent children, ranging in age from birth to 21 years old. You will manage a caseload of approximately 50 dependent children, working within an integrated, team-based approach throughout the life of each case to promote their best interest, stability, and well-being.

What You’ll Do:

Conduct client assessments in homes or dependent placements to determine physical, social, emotional, educational, and treatment needs.
Collect collateral reports from placement agencies, schools, therapists, DHS, Community Umbrella Agencies (CUA), and other service providers to assist with determining legal and social service recommendations.
Prepare detailed written court reports outlining each client’s progress regarding placement, services, education, medical needs, and family goals.
Maintain a high level of collaboration with attorney teammates to assure effective representation and discuss client needs throughout the life of each case.
Provide court support for attorneys by appearing in court and providing testimony on behalf of clients when needed.
Maintain well-documented, dated files on all clients and document all interactions as well as managing court dates.
Attend regular meetings with your supervisor, supervisory team meetings, and all CAU department trainings

What You’ll Need:

Required Education: BSW or BA/BS in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a closely related Human Services field.
Preferred Education: MSW or MA in a related Human Services field.
Clearances: Must successfully pass all mandated state and federal background checks and child abuse clearances prior to employment.
Demonstrated dedication to social justice, equity, and providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed advocacy for marginalized, at-risk, and under-resourced youth and families.
1–2 years of professional experience, an internship, or a strong demonstrated aptitude to rapidly learn and excel in child welfare, case management, or family advocacy.

Proven ability or demonstrated potential to independently organize and manage a high-volume, dynamic workload of up to 50 active cases.
Demonstrated experience working successfully as part of a cross-functional team (e.g., partnering with attorneys, medical professionals, or foster care agencies) to achieve client-focused outcomes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build rapport and professionally communicate complex or sensitive information.
Ability to r community placements, both local and non-local, as needed and to courtrooms.

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive Benefits: Affordable medical care options plus employer paid vision, dental, life and long- term disability insurances
Generous Time Off: 25 days of paid time off (PTO) annually, in addition to all federal holidays
Wellness Initiatives: Dedicated, separate sick leave policy alongside organizational programming to support your physical and mental health
Family Support: 10 weeks of paid parental leave
Retirement: Generous retirement savings plan with Employer Match
Commuter Benefits: Free Septa All Access Key card
Union Membership: This role is represented by AFSCME, District Council 47, Local 3190
PSLF: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
Culture: Meaningful, mission-driven work within a supportive, learning-focused, and collaborative environment.

To apply

Please apply online with resume and cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Salary range is $61,000 to $63,000

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. Follow us @PhillyDefenders (Twitter, Instagram & TikTok) and on LinkedIn.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site