Mitigation Specialist - Portsmouth

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Portsmouth, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is seeking a Mitigation Specialist for the Portsmouth 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 Chief Public Defender of the Portsmouth Office and is an at-will position. 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 mental health or counseling.
Some experience in a mental health discipline dealing with families and support groups.
Demonstrated 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.
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.
Previous experience working with indigent clients.
Experience with the Portsmouth court system.
Experience working in a public defender's office.

Responsibilities

Interviews 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 trial or mitigation.
Serves as a supportive resource for clients in crisis, performing quick assessments and identifying appropriate interventions or linkages to services.
Assists in developing defense themes of mitigation, alternative sentencing plans, and identifying appropriate witnesses for court testimony.
Maintains confidentiality of client records and case files.
Develops and maintains effective time-management and organizational skills to track deadlines, prepare cases, complete administrative paperwork, and respect co-workers’ time constraints.
Coordinates services with other criminal justice agencies to enhance dispositional resources for public defender clients.
Represents the office on various committees and task forces that provide services to public defender clients.
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.
Adheres to the code of professional conduct governing all members of the defense team representing criminal defendants.