POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT No. 21-04H
Mitigation Specialist
Southern District of Texas
Houston Division
THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER, Southern District of Texas is accepting applications for the position of mitigation specialist to be stationed in Houston, TX. The Federal Public Defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, provides defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel.
Duties. The mitigation specialist will assist attorneys across the district in investigating, analyzing, developing, and presenting mitigation evidence in the life history of clients. The mitigation specialist will gather and summarize social history records, conduct interviews with lay and professional people with relevant knowledge about the client’s early childhood development, education, and employment, as well as their medical and mental health histories. The mitigation specialist also will consult with experts; develop and maintain relationships with clients, their family members, local social service providers, and pretrial service officers; and perform other duties as assigned. The position requires travel. The full position qualifications statement with position description is available upon request.
Requirements. To qualify for this position, a Master’s degree in social science or services; two years of specialized experience in social science, research, or mitigation; and Spanish-language fluency are required. All candidates must be proficient with the use of a computer, with an emphasis in Word and other Windows-based applications and internet research. Employment is subject to a satisfactory background investigation, including an FBI name and fingerprint check.
Selection Criteria. The successful candidate will have a commitment to providing quality representation to indigent defendants and have a reputation for integrity. He or she will have a working knowledge of immigration, the criminal justice and correctional systems, mental health and other social services, and psychology and psychological testing. Excellent interviewing and writing skills are essential for the position, as is the ability to locate, obtain, review, analyze, and summarize relevant records. Successful applicants will be able to prioritize projects and work both independently and cooperatively with attorneys, investigators, and office staff.
How to Apply. Qualified persons may apply by forwarding a letter of interest (mentioning announcement number 21-04H), résumé, and representative writing sample. Relevant experience should be described in detail. Send completed application to: Marjorie A. Meyers, Federal Public Defender, Southern District of Texas, 440 Louisiana St., Suite 1350, Houston, Texas 77002 or email in PDF format to [email protected]. For applicants with disabilities, this organization provides reasonable accommodations, which are decided on a case-by-case basis. To request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please contact Administrative Officer Laura Dusthimer at (713) 718-4600. More than one position may be filled with this announcement. Position announced January 12, 2021; open until filled.
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