Investigator/Mitigation Specialist

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Job location
601 Walnut Street
Suite 540 West
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
Federal Community Defender Office Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Street address: 
601 Walnut Street
City: 
Philadelphia
State: 
Pennsylvania
ZIP: 
19106
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

The Federal Community Defender Office serving the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has openings for one (or possibly more) experienced Investigator/Mitigation Specialist in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU). The Unit represents death-sentenced prisoners in all stages of federal habeas corpus proceedings.

The CHU Investigator/Mitigation Specialist is required to play an integral role in the investigation and presentation of both guilt phase and penalty phase issues, including the development of mitigating evidence. The CHU Investigator/Mitigation Specialist is responsible for supporting the development of all aspects of the Unit’s cases, including: locating and interviewing witnesses with relevant information about the crime and the client’s background, family history, and mental health; locating and retrieving documents and other evidence; serving subpoenas; and assisting with the preparation and presentation of evidentiary hearings. CHU Investigator/Mitigation Specialists engage in extensive travel throughout the country.

Kindly note that the filling of these positions will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

Requirements: 

Candidates must possess substantial investigative and/or mitigation experience. Experience with the investigation and development of defense mitigation presentations in capital trials or post-conviction cases, or with mental health or social work issues, is preferred but not required. Other desired qualifications include post-secondary education in relevant fields, knowledge of federal and state court systems, and familiarity with federal habeas corpus or post-conviction litigation and/or complex federal civil or criminal litigation. Candidates must possess excellent oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well in a team-based approach. Candidates must be able to use a personal computer and possess skill using automated investigative tools and technology.

Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and insurance and own/operate a personal vehicle that is available for business purposes. The position requires that the incumbent occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and spend extended periods driving or riding in a car. Fluency (oral and written) in Spanish is preferred, but not required.

To apply: 

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Barbara McCrowell, Personnel Administrator, via e-mail at [email protected], or by regular mail to FCDO, Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 540 West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106. Candidates will be interviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position remain open until filled.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
Salary will be based upon experience consistent with federal guidelines and regulations. Kindly note that the filling of this position will be subject to the funding restrictions and approval of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts.