The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), a division of the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO), seeks to hire a full-time Mitigation Specialist to assist in legal representation of clients appearing for resentencing hearings. Mitigation Specialists are a crucial part of the defense team and work with attorneys and clients to develop strategy for new sentencing hearings. The Mitigation Specialist will perform a variety of functions with the end goal of improving sentencing outcomes for clients. This position is located in Detroit or Lansing and offers flexible remote work options. The position is grant funded through September 30, 2024 with an annual salary of $51,385. The grant is expected to renew each year
JOB DUTIES: Job duties include, but are not limited to:
• Travel to correctional institutions to visit with incarcerated clients to learn about their background, the facts of the offense, current experiences while incarcerated, and specific needs upon release (due to COVID-19, videoconferencing is temporarily replacing most in-person visits);
• Interview family, friends, community members, service and housing providers, and other individuals to compile material in mitigation of sentence, including reentry plans;
• Obtain, analyze and summarize records and documents, including prison records, social files, school records, and medical and mental health records;
• Prepare reports, including client and witness interview memos, social history reports, sentencing memoranda, and comprehensive reentry plans;
• Identify and consult with appropriate experts to obtain reports and prepare for hearings;
• Prepare clients for testifying in court or presenting allocution;
• Provide client coaching in preparation for parole (or other) hearings, which may include attending parole hearings on a client’s behalf;
• Provide post-incarceration support to individuals coming home from incarceration, which includes locating and connecting clients to direct-service providers, in partnership with SADO’s Project Reentry;
• Responsible for all necessary clerical duties for individual work, including case management, mailing materials to clients, and staying in regular communication clients, attorneys, and other team members.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Commitment to client-centered, zealous advocacy, to the inherent worth and dignity of clients, and to cultural humility and cultural competency;
• Education in social work, social science, psychology, forensic psychology, journalism, anthropology, criminal justice, or a related field;
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, preferably in Michigan;
• Experience in investigation;
• Excellent communication, interviewing, and interpersonal skills;
• The ability to prioritize a significant workload and high-volume caseload;
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, nights, and early mornings, and to travel throughout the state to attend hearings, meet with incarcerated clients, interview witnesses, and obtain mitigation material;
• Outstanding writing and organizational skills;
• Flexible and creative thinking;
• The ability to work as part of the defense team under the lead of the case attorney, and maintain confidentiality;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and general office equipment.
TO APPLY: Submit a resume and a cover letter. The cover letter should address your commitment to working with incarcerated people and people convicted of crimes. Applications should be submitted by April 26, 2024 to Human Resources at [email protected]. Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.
SADO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize people of color are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system and actively seek to employ staff with backgrounds representative of our clients. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ people, and people directly affected by the criminal legal system to apply. A felony conviction does not prohibit employment at SADO.
If you are unable to send applicant materials electronically, please contact Human Resources at 313-420-2905 for assistance.