Mitigation Specialist - Loudoun

Title: Mitigation Specialist - Loudoun

State Role Title: Investig and Legal Support II

Hiring Range: Up to $60.00 per hour

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: LOUDOUN 411

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Mitigation Specialist in the Loudoun Public Defender's Office. The Mitigation Specialist assists attorneys in providing zealous, high-quality representation to indigent persons accused of criminal offenses. The Mitigation Specialist reports to the Chief Public Defender, and regular attendance and physical presence is required. This is an at-will position; funding is supplemented by Loudoun County and is subject to reauthorization annually; therefore, continuation is not guaranteed by the County or the Indigent Defense Commission. This position does not include any state benefits and is limited to 29 hours per week. The selected candidate will be required to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Duties:

• Meets with incarcerated clients to take in-depth life histories and review clients’ mental health, educational, and medical histories to aid with the defense trial or in mitigation. Also meets with the client’s family, friends, and support system to gain additional information.
• Be a supportive resource for clients in crisis, including quick assessments and identification of appropriate intervention or linkages to services where necessary.
• Assist with the development of defense themes of mitigation, alternative sentencing plans, and identifying appropriate witnesses to testify in court.
• Maintain confidentiality of client records and case files.
• Develop and maintain effective time-management and organizational skills in a manner that allows adequate time to track and abide by deadlines, prepare cases, complete administrative paperwork, and respect co-workers’ time constraints.
• Assist attorneys in finding and securing program placement (i.e., inpatient/outpatient substance abuse programs, dual diagnosis programs, job training, anger management, parenting classes, domestic violence classes, MRT) for clients and assist attorneys in obtaining medical and treatment records for clients.

This position also requires that the Mitigation Specialist behaves professionally to uphold the integrity and enhance the professional reputation of the Mitigation Specialist and the office, while also enhancing office efficiency and effectiveness through teamwork. The Mitigation Specialist must be aware of, and adhere to, the code of professional conduct governing all members of the defense team representing criminal defendants.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and is dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent required. Education, training, and or work experience in a legal environment, social work, psychology or other mental health discipline demonstrating requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Experience in the mental health field, dealing with families and support groups, is a requirement. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively, along with the ability to establish rapport and maintain professional relationships with client’s family members and other critical individuals and agencies that provide services to clients. The ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally is required. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel is needed.

Additional Considerations

Prior experience researching and gathering data to reach a supportable conclusion in support of mitigation arguments, along with interviewing experience and applicable techniques, experience conducting interviews to prepare family and social history reports, experience examining medical records and identifying mental health factors that will assist in mitigation, knowledge of the criminal trial and sentencing process, proficiency in Spanish, and previous experience working with indigent clients.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: 804-662-7249

Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.