Become a Community Justice Advocate
Do you know people overwhelmed by the confusion and stress of debt, collections, or wage garnishments? What if you could do more than empathize? What if you could help them understand their legal rights and cut through the confusion?
The CJA Debt Collection Certificate gives you the knowledge, authorization, and tools to provide critical legal support to those in need. You’ll learn how to assist consumer debtors at any stage. From responding to debt collectors and negotiating settlements, to preparing for court or addressing wage garnishment.
The certificate is free for qualifying Utah professionals and awards 40 CEUs. Build job-ready skills in debt collection practice while earning continuing education credit that advances your career.
Applicant Eligibility
Individuals interested in applying for the CJA Debt Collection Certificate Program must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a related human services degree, or higher; OR
- Have a minimum of 6 months of professional experience in case management, social services, or a related field; OR
- Hold a valid Social Services Worker (SSW) license.
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Are bilingual in English and Spanish
- Have an educational background or degree in social work.
- Have at least six months of continuous employment with their current employer.
- Are employed in a public or nonprofit agency serving vulnerable populations (e.g., homeless services, DV shelters, community action partnerships).
- Work in high-priority service areas (counties with limited lawyer availability, high eviction/debt filing rates, rural/non-metro classification, or above-average poverty rates).
- Serve a high proportion of individuals experiencing debt-related challenges such as collection attempts, wage garnishment, or risk of default judgment.
To successfully participate in the program, participants must have access to:
- A reliable internet connection capable of supporting video conferencing.
- A desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.).
- A working webcam and microphone for live instruction sessions.
Coursework and Supervision Requirements
The CJA Debt Collection Certificate is a 10-week virtual program combining self-paced study with live instruction.
Modules include:
- Overview of Debt and Debt Collection
- Consumer Rights, Identifying Red Flags, and Strategies
- Negotiation Techniques and Strategies in Debt Resolution
- Court Processes, Self-Representation, and Legal Documentation
- Professional Integration and Orientation to Field Practice
Each module spans two weeks:
- Week 1: Complete asynchronous coursework on Canvas (Monday–Sunday).
- Week 2: Attend a live Zoom session on Monday from 6:00–8:00 p.m., then complete an independent practice activity by Sunday evening.
After completing all coursework, assignments, and the final assessment, Community Justice Advocates (CJAs) begin providing limited scope legal services provisionally under supervision by the NLSU Attorney Supervisor.
To earn full certification, CJAs must:
- Serve at least 10 consumer debtor clients, and
- Complete a minimum of 10 hours of supervision over at least 10 weeks.
Following the provisional period, the supervising attorney conducts a final evaluation to determine the CJA’s competence and readiness for independent practice. Upon approval, ongoing attorney supervision continues at one hour per month, as required under the Utah Supreme Court Sandbox Authorization Order.
Availability and Deadlines
The Debt Collection Certificate follows Utah State University’s academic calendar and is offered three times each year: spring, summer, and fall. Each cohort has 25 seats, and admissions are rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received).
Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Once the cohort fills, additional qualified applicants may be placed on a waitlist for a future cohort.
Upcoming Cohorts
| Cohort | Apply by | Course Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | August 24, 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | January 4, 2027 | January 11, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | May 3, 2027 | May 10, 2027 |
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and you can expect to receive an update within 1–3 business days of submitting your application. Applicants are typically considered for the soonest available cohort. If you prefer to be considered for a later cohort, please contact the program coordinator at jaxon.didericksen@usu.edu.
Program Contact
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.
