Re-Entry Advocate

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Re-Entry Advocate to join our team.

BDS is a public defense office representing low-income New Yorkers in criminal, family, immigration, and civil legal matters. For nearly 30 years, BDS has worked, in and out of court, to protect and uphold the rights of individuals and to change laws and systems that perpetuate injustice and inequality. Our legal expertise work with clients is focused on the intersections of these legal systems that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities living in poverty.

BDS represents thousands of people each year who have diverse, complex, and multi-faceted legal needs. In addition to a zealous legal defense, our interdisciplinary teams of attorneys, social workers and advocates provide a wide range of legal and advocacy services, including for housing, public benefits, education, and employment. BDS staff work collaboratively and across disciplines to deliver high-quality legal services that serve the people we represent, their families and communities.

The Re-Entry Unit provides a comprehensive array of services for individuals who are represented by BDS as well as providing support and guidance for their family members. The Unit works with those who are currently or have previously been incarcerated; following their release from incarceration, the Re-Entry Team assists individuals in securing housing, obtaining gainful employment, pursuing continuing education, engaging in therapeutic programming, and achieving successful reintegration into the community. We also work on a pre-entry basis with those who are on the verge of commencing a jail or prison sentence.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive assistance for individuals reentering society from jail or prison, as well as pre-entry services for those entering jail or prison.
• Re-entry work includes the provision of general support as well as filing public benefits and housing applications, scheduling identification appointments, and setting up electronic communication.
• Respond to employment referrals to the unit, conducting work history assessments and referring individuals to Workforce agencies.
• Manage day-to-day work with clients as well as responding to crises as they may arise.
• Utilize BDS resources, such as social workers, housing, immigration, employment, and education attorneys, to meet client needs and achieve Reentry Team goals.
• Aid in the maintenance of incarcerated client trackers and other required databases.
• Collect information on available community resources.
• Offer administrative and operational support for Community Office events.
• Travel throughout the five boroughs as required.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled staff meetings, training sessions and advocacy events as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong preference for candidates with lived experience within the criminal legal system.
• Prior experience performing case management for those with legal system involvement.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills required to engage with clients professionally, empathetically, and responsively.
• Ability to manage a significant caseload and respond to varying needs of clients and their family members.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple assignments with varying deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications as well as ability to learn data entry for case management and document management systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues on an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in both Spanish and English is a plus.

Position Information

This is a non-exempt, salaried position in the Collective Bargaining Unit. The regular schedule is Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, which may be adjusted based on the needs of the agency. The position is located at the offices of BDS in Downtown Brooklyn. Re-Entry Advocates are required to work in the office three days per week and may be required to work additional days in person based on client needs. Applicants should be aware that the in-person requirement is subject to change.

BDS determines salary according to a pay scale that considers education and experience. For this position, the base salary range is $53,995 to $80,995, depending on the applicant’s qualifications.

Application Instructions

Please click on “Apply Now” to submit a cover letter and resume. Please submit your application by June 27, 2025.

Brooklyn Defender Services is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to celebrating diversity and maintaining an equitable and inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, expressions, orientations, disabilities, and experiences to apply. If you require an accommodation due to a disability or another reason, please contact the Managing Director, H.R., Christina Wallace, at cwallace@bds.org.