Mitigation Specialist - Halifax

DHRM•Halifax, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is hiring a Mitigation Specialist for the Halifax Public Defender’s Office. The specialist assists attorneys in providing zealous, high-quality representation to indigent people accused of criminal offenses. The position reports to the Public Defender of the Halifax Office and is employed at will. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and authorization to work in the United States is required. The agency uses E-Verify and does not provide sponsorship. The Mitigation Specialist interviews clients, family members, and relevant witnesses; gathers detailed life histories; and reviews mental health, educational, and medical histories to support trial defenses and mitigation. The specialist also supports clients in crisis, helps develop mitigation themes and alternative sentencing plans, identifies potential witnesses, coordinates services with criminal justice agencies, and represents the office on committees and task forces. The role requires confidentiality, professional conduct, effective teamwork, and careful management of case deadlines and administrative work. Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume electronically through the state application website. This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness depending on the applicant’s loan type. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application or interview process. The agency encourages applications from people of all identities and backgrounds and provides information about an alternative hiring process for eligible applicants with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Education, training, and/or work experience in a legal environment, social work, psychology, or another mental health discipline demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional relationships with clients’ family members and other relevant individuals and service agencies.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
Successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience researching and gathering data to support mitigation arguments.
Interviewing experience and knowledge of applicable techniques.
Experience conducting interviews to prepare family and social history reports.
Experience examining medical records and identifying mental health factors relevant to mitigation.
Knowledge of the criminal trial and sentencing process.
Proficiency in Spanish.
Previous experience working with indigent clients.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, their families, and relevant witnesses; gather in-depth life histories and review mental health, educational, and medical histories to support defense trials or mitigation.
Support clients in crisis, including conducting quick assessments and identifying appropriate interventions or connections to services.
Assist in developing mitigation themes and alternative sentencing plans, and identify appropriate witnesses to testify in court.
Maintain the confidentiality of client records and case files.
Manage time and organize work to track deadlines, prepare cases, complete administrative paperwork, and respect coworkers’ time constraints.
Coordinate services with other criminal justice agencies to increase dispositional resources for public defender clients.
Represent the office on committees and task forces that provide services to public defender clients.
Behave professionally, uphold the integrity and professional reputation of the specialist and office, and contribute to office efficiency and effectiveness through teamwork.
Follow the code of professional conduct governing members of the defense team representing criminal defendants.