Mitigation Specialist - Homicide Defense Task Force (HDTF)
About The Position
The Legal Aid Society has immediate openings for a Mitigation Specialist with the Homicide Defense Task Force Unit in the Brooklyn office to provide client services to individuals and their families who are charged with homicide offenses in Supreme Court. While working closely as a member of an interdisciplinary Homicide Defense Task Force whose members include criminal defense attorneys, paralegals, and investigators, the Mitigation Specialist is responsible for providing case management (assessment, treatment planning, referral) and in-court advocacy; establishing and participating in collaborative alliances with various institutional, judicial and governmental entities; providing crisis and supportive counseling services to clients and their family members throughout the entirety of the court case.
Requirements
- A MSW degree and proof of New York State Social Work License (LMSW or LCSW) must be provided before final decision of employment
- Strong diagnostic skills and clinical experience working with the following client populations: MICA, physical illnesses and physical disabilities, mental illness, intellectual and developmental delays, and clients with histories of substance abuse
- Experience and/or post graduate training in family systems theory and/or trauma treatment
- Ability to interface with Judges, District Attorneys and Correctional Personnel
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary team model
- Excellent writing skills with a strong emphasis in persuasive writing
- Flexibility in schedule to accommodate work with family members
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong computer skills
Responsibilities
- Conduct an extensive bio psychosocial assessment of the client utilizing validated instruments when appropriate (BJMHS, TCU II drug screen, and MH Screening Form III)
- Review of all records including, but not limited to, medical, educational, psychiatric, and employment
- Conduct extensive interviews of all collateral contacts for the purpose of informing the assessment as well as the legal strategy of the court case and the development of a treatment plan for the client
- Provide support during witness/expert interviews; provide weekly/regular supportive counseling to client and family members; court advocacy and program linkage; provide support to defense team members
- Provide supportive counseling to client and family around decision making as it relates to the court proceedings
- Coordinate with staff from LAS Prisoner’s Rights Project as needed
- The mitigation specialist, in collaboration with defense team members, will identify the need for, and coordinate the utilization of experts
- Assess and coordinate other needs on behalf of the client such as access to benefits, (SSI, Medicaid) and any other concern as it relates to client’s well-being during the duration of the case
- Provide pre-entry services to clients who may enter state correctional facilities, including supportive counseling, planning for family needs, (i.e., childcare, benefits) and coordination of support with state Department of Corrections staff to ensure a smooth transition
- Participate in and provide support for, data collection, periodic pilot projects and new initiatives
- Conduct in-person visits to clients in the community and at jails, detention centers or hospitals
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- health insurance
- paid vacation
- disability
- life insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
