Child Advocacy Specialist

Child Advocacy Specialist (Full Time)

We are seeking a Child Advocacy Specialist who will be representing juveniles who have been adjudicated dependent and who cannot, due to a conflict of interest, be represented by KidsVoice. This is an exciting opportunity for professionals looking to make a positive impact in their community and gain valuable experience in the public sector. This position is based within the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel (OCC).

Who Are We?

Great Lakes Research (GL) is a leading provider of professional services and technology products designed specifically for the human service, education, and public and non-profit sectors. Our headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA with additional offices in Gateway Center, downtown Pittsburgh and other locations in the Pittsburgh area. Great Lakes provides staffing services to multiple Allegheny County divisions in the following areas:

• IT Support
• Administrative Support
• Data Analysis, Evaluation and Research
• Project Managers

Who is the Allegheny County Office of Conflict Counsel?

The Office of Conflict Counsel is part of the Allegheny County Public Defender’s office, which provides legal counsel when a client needs representation and is unable to afford it. All OCC cases are heard in the Juvenile Section of Allegheny County Family Division, which addresses cases involving dependency, delinquency, termination of parental rights, and other similar matters.

Who Are You?

You are a highly organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment, and who will be comfortable with court hearings, home visits, provider meetings and other key settings. You are an excellent communicator, with a demonstrated interest in working with at-risk youth.

What Will You Be Responsible For?

• Assisting Attorney with organizing and maintaining each dependency cases from shelter hearing to either case closure or termination of parental rights.
• Familiarizing self with community and placement resources available for juveniles.
• Assisting Attorney in preparing each case, as required, for full and competent representation of the juvenile client. This includes client contact with all involved mental health professionals.
• Preparing written reports which include all pertinent service recommendations based on the child’s ability to function and cope with their current environment.
• Assisting with preparation for termination of parental rights cases.

What Background and Skills Does the Ideal Candidate Have?

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Flexibility in assisting the Attorney in juvenile dependency cases, minor clients and their parents or guardians.
• Knowledge and experience working with Allegheny County service providers.
• A working knowledge of the child welfare system and experience working therein.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be able to contribute to a group, as well as have individual success.
• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work., Psychology or Sociology, plus two years’ experience working within child welfare.
• Active Social Work License or successful pass of the social work licensing exam within nine months of employment is required. MSW, LSW candidates may be eligible to supervise field placements.
• Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.

Job Location

This is an onsite, office position based at the Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is $ 39,100 per year. 

If hired, candidates would be employed by GL and assigned to Allegheny County Public Defender’s Office. This position is for full-time employment. As such, no other contracts for employment with Allegheny County to perform legal services will be permitted.

GL benefits include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and bereavement
• Group term life and AD & D insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K/403B Matching Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D