Mitigation Specialist - Pulaski

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Pulaski, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is seeking a Mitigation Specialist for the Pulaski Public Defender's Office. This role supports attorneys in providing zealous, high-quality representation to indigent individuals accused of criminal offenses. The Mitigation Specialist reports to the Public Defender of the Pulaski Office and is an at-will employee. A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required for the successful candidate. The VIDC is committed to inclusive hiring and encourages applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Requirements

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.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional relationships with client’s family members and other critical individuals and agencies that provide services to clients.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience researching and gathering data to support mitigation arguments.
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.
Previous experience working with indigent clients.

Responsibilities

Interview clients, their families, and relevant witnesses to gather in-depth life history and review client’s mental health, educational, and medical histories to aid with defense trials or mitigation.
Serve as a supportive resource for clients in crisis, performing quick assessments and identifying appropriate interventions or linkages to services.
Assist in developing defense themes of mitigation, alternative sentencing plans, and identifying appropriate witnesses for court testimony.
Maintain confidentiality of client records and case files.
Develop and maintain effective time-management and organizational skills to track deadlines, prepare cases, complete administrative paperwork, and respect co-workers' time constraints.
Coordinate services with other criminal justice agencies to enhance dispositional resources for public defender clients.
Represent the office on various committees and task forces serving public defender clients.
Behave 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.
Adhere to the code of professional conduct governing all members of the defense team representing criminal defendants.