Public Defense Mitigation Specialist Supervisor

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Job location
710 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
King County, Department of Public Defense
Job type: 
Legal - Defender
Position Description: 

The PD Mitigation Specialist Supervisor will supervise Public Defense Mitigation Specialists in The Defender Association Division of DPD. The successful candidate will assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing advice and recommendations to attorneys in assessing clients and their families, participating in case strategy and planning, and presenting relevant diagnostic social service needs of clients, particularly as it pertains to establishing the best possible legal defense and/or outcome.

JOB DUTIES:

1. Supervise assigned staff by performing the following personnel responsibilities: training, staff selection, recommending and/or implementing disciplinary actions, responding to grievances, recommending termination and assisting with labor relations issues. Evaluate and document work performance formally and informally; coach, counsel, monitor and motivate assigned staff.
2. Perform assessments, make diagnoses regarding mental illness or addictions, conduct interviews to collect information, and gather records for mitigation/competency. Prepare comprehensive psychosocial histories as needed.
3. Provide testimony regarding mental health status, competence or developmental issues.
4. Provide social services information/education to attorneys and clients. Coordinate, refer, and monitor relevant social services for clients.
5. Prepare and present accurate case information and persuasive mitigation reports.
6. Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports an alternative sentencing plan or dispositional plan. Similarly advocate for clients in the legal system who are responding to a dependency petition, Sexual Offender Commitment petition and other proceedings affecting the client's liberty or other constitutionally protected interest.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements: 

•Master's degree in Social Work or a related behavioral science field and one year of related social services experience.
•Minimum one year of experience in a lead or supervisor role or any combination of experience/education/training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the work.
•Experience or ability to supervise other Public Defense Mitigation Specialists highly desirable.
•Knowledge of the role of the attorney-mitigation specialist relationship and familiarity with the Washington State Bar Association Rules of Professional Responsibility and other ethical standards which govern Mitigation Specialists.
•Knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of social services, including case management, assessment, coordination/referrals, research, mediation, report writing, and oral communications.
•Knowledge of the use of mitigation in criminal justice cases.
•Knowledge of protocols and methodology for assessment, evaluation and documenting physical, psychological, and mental development.
•Knowledge of criteria for reliable diagnosis and assessment of mental disorders.
•Skill in handling confidential information.
•Skills in identifying potential ethical issues and seeking advice/counsel when ethical issues arise or require clarification.
•Skill in preparing detailed narrative reports, correspondence and other written materials.
•Skill in using office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, database and email.
•Ability to testify effectively at trial, sentencing or other hearings.
•Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, in person and in writing.
•Ability to work calmly and respond courteously when in stressful situations.
•Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
•Valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel reasonably quickly to multiple locations.
•Valid Washington State Social Work or Mental Health License preferred.
•Must be at least twenty one years of age.
•Requires ability to successfully pass a King County Jail clearance and Washington State Patrol Background check.

To apply: 

This recruitment is open to all qualified candidates.

Where To Apply: Interested individuals should submit an online application, resume and cover letter by no later than 4:30 pm Monday, January 23, 2017 indicating how you meet the qualifications of the position. You can find the online application at:
http://www.kingcounty.gov/audience/employees/careers.aspx Electronic submission is preferred.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
80,405 - 101,918
Submission deadline: 
Monday, January 23, 2017