Debt collection is one of the most common legal challenges facing low-income Utahns — and one of the least supported. Many people facing collection attempts, wage garnishment, or the threat of a default judgment have no idea what their rights are, let alone how to act on them. They need guidance, but they can't always access a lawyer.
Community Justice Advocates (CJA)are trained helping professionals — social workers, case managers, therapists, and others — who are authorized by the Utah Supreme Court to provide free, limited-scope legal assistance to people facing debt challenges. They work within their existing relationships with clients to offer something those clients often can't get anywhere else: real, practical legal support from someone they already trust.
The CJA Debt Certificate, offered through USU's Transforming Communities Institute, prepares you to take on that role. Whether you're a practicing professional looking to expand what you can offer your clients or a student preparing to enter a helping profession, this program gives you the knowledge, credentials, and authorization to make a difference.
To learn how to enroll or apply, select the option that applies to you:
Current USU Students
The CJA Debt Certificate is available to USU seniors and graduate students as an elective course launching Fall 2026. It's an opportunity to earn both academic credit and a professional credential simultaneously.
Why Take This Course?
Earn a professional credential. Graduate with the CJA Debt certification, issued by USU's Transforming Communities Institute and authorized by the Utah Supreme Court. This is a meaningful addition to any resume in social work, public health, or community services.
Build real-world skills. Learn how the debt collection process works, how civil court procedures unfold, and how to assess risk, advise clients on their rights and options, and help people navigate toward solutions.
Make a community impact. Put your skills to work for Utahns facing financial hardship and contribute to access to justice for underserved communities across the state.
Course Overview
This course will prepare and certify you to serve as a CJA trained and authorized to provide limited-scope legal assistance to people facing debt-related challenges in Utah.
You will develop a working knowledge of consumer debt law, civil court procedures, and the professional ethics that guide CJA practice. The focus is applied and experiential. In addition to learning how the system works, you'll develop the skills to help real people navigate it and have the opportunity to practice applying those skills under attorney supervision.
Coursework includes case studies, applied practice, and roleplays; observation hours; attorney supervision and mentoring; service delivery to existing clients or as a volunteer; and a comprehensive final exam.
Maintaining the certification requires ongoing work with clients.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is a great fit for seniors and graduate students in applied professional degrees such as social work, human development and family studies, psychology, counseling, and other related human service fields that offer applied practice experiences. If you're interested in law, community advocacy, or direct client services, this course offers hands-on, experiential learning you won't find in a traditional classroom setting.
How to Register
Undergraduate students (juniors and seniors) should register for SW 5040. Graduate students should register for SW 6040. Both courses fulfill elective credit requirements for social work majors.
Professionals
Rolling applications accepted through August 24, 2026 • Course begins August 31, 2026
Advance your career. Deepen your impact.
The Community Justice Advocate (CJA) Debt Certificate is designed for professionals who work with individuals facing debt-related hardship. Upon completing the program, you will be authorized within Utah's regulatory sandbox to provide limited-scope legal services in debt collection matters — giving you a powerful new tool to better serve your clients.
As a certified CJA, you will be able to advise individuals on their rights and options when facing debt collection, explain court processes and procedures, assist with completing forms and filings, organize documents and evidence, and provide support during hearings, mediations, and negotiations.
Eligibility
For participants who are not currently students at USU, you must:
- Hold a BSW or related helping-profession degree (degrees outside of SW will be reviewed for applicability); OR
- Hold a current SSW license (or higher); OR
- Have at least 6 months of professional experience in case management, social services, or community advocacy, be currently engaged in that work (employed or volunteer service), and obtain a letter of recommendation/reference from the agency supervisor
Think you are a good fit, but don’t meet the requirements above? Email us at nathanael.player@usu.edu
Priority will be given to applicants who are bilingual in English and Spanish, have an educational background in social work, are employed at a public or nonprofit agency serving vulnerable populations (such as homeless services, domestic violence shelters, or community action partnerships), or regularly work with clients experiencing debt collection, wage garnishment, or risk of default judgment.
To participate, you will also need a reliable internet connection capable of supporting video conferencing, a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date operating system, and a working webcam and microphone for live instruction sessions.
Program Overview
The CJA Debt Certificate is a 16-week virtual program combining self-paced study with live instruction. The course is free of charge for professionals and awards 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Coursework covers the scope and ethics of the CJA certificate, the lifecycle of debt collection, consumer rights and options, court processes, and service delivery. Coursework includes case studies, applied practice, and roleplays; observation hours; attorney supervision and mentoring; service delivery to existing clients or as a volunteer; and a comprehensive final exam.
Upon successful completion, you will be certified as a CJA Debt Navigator and authorized as a limited-scope legal services provider in Utah.
Availability and Deadlines
The program runs on USU's academic calendar with 15 seats available each semester. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you can expect to hear back within 1–3 business days of submitting. Once all seats are filled, qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist for the next available cohort. We encourage you to apply early.
| Cohort | Apply by | Course Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | August 24, 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | January 4, 2027 | January 11, 2027 |
Applicants are typically considered for the soonest available cohort. If you would prefer to be considered for a later cohort, please wait to submit your application until the appropriate time.
Program Contact
Nathanael Player
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice
nathanael.player@usu.edu
Have a question? Not sure if you’re eligible to apply?
Reach out below and we’ll get back to you with the information you need.