Mitigation Specialist - Staunton

Title: Mitigation Specialist - Staunton

Hiring Range: $52,990.00 + State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: STAUNTON 301

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 Staunton Public Defender 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 of the Staunton Office and is employed at-will. The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Duties:
Interviews clients, their families, and relevant witnesses to take in-depth life history and review client’s mental health, educational and medical histories to aid with the defense trial or in mitigation. 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. Coordinate services with other criminal justice agencies to increase dispositional resources for public defender clients. Represent the office on various committees and task forces that provide services to public defender clients.

This position also requires that the Mitigation Specialist behaves professionally to uphold 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

A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related degree in mental health or counseling and some experience in a mental health discipline 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred. Previous experience working in a criminal justice environment is preferred. Prior experience researching and gathering data to reach a supportable conclusion in support of mitigation arguments, along with interviewing experience and applicable techniques, is preferred. Experience conducting interviews to prepare family and social history reports is preferred. Experience examining medical records and identifying mental health factors that will assist in mitigation is preferred. Knowledge of the criminal trial and sentencing process is preferred.

Special Instructions: 

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

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.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

You will receive a confirmation number once your application has been successfully submitted. Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry to the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information:

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: 8046627249

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 Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.