Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II
- Summary
About the Position
DPD provides robust legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitment, and inquests. We work with the community to dismantle the systems that oppress our clients, to make the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible, and to advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed. We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal and civil legal system and address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework.
To learn more about DPD, please visit our website at: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/public-defense.aspx
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) seeks skilled, committed, creative advocates who will fight for clients while working to dismantle a harmful and racist system.
The Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II assists attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing advice and recommendations to attorneys; they assess clients and their families, participate in case strategy and planning, and present relevant diagnostic social service needs of clients, particularly as it pertains to establishing the best possible legal defense and/or outcome, and coordinate and refer clients to relevant social services.
Who May Apply
This recruitment is open to the general public and may be used to fill full-time current and/or future career service, term-limited temporary, and/or special duty positions in any of the Department's four divisions. DPD also intends to generate an eligibility pool for future vacancies in career service and temporary positions over the next six months.
Note: Special duty opportunities are open only to current King County career service employees who have completed their initial probation. Special duty applicants must have approval from their current supervisor to accept an assignment. Current employees selected for special duty will be compensated based upon the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement or Master Labor Agreement for their base assignment.
DPD Ethical Walls Policies and Procedures will apply to applicants, such that if you work or have worked for one of DPD's divisions, you may be ineligible for this position.
Work Locations
DPD employees enjoy a flexible, hybrid in-office/telecommute workplace structure, and this role should expect to work both remotely and, in the office, while being required to report to other locations, such as court or jail facilities. DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:- Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle;
- Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle;
- Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent.
The typical workweek is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
Forms and Materials Required- An online employment application completed at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include all relevant experience).
- A cover letter no more than two pages summarizing your experience and how you meet the required qualifications, knowledge, and skills for the position.
- A resume.
Applications will be screened for qualifications throughout the posting period. Applicants who provide evidence that they meet the necessary qualifications and who are the most competitive based on their knowledge, skills, abilities and experience will be invited to interview which will occur during the following weeks:
- April 25th– 29th
- May 16th – 20th
- June 13th – 17th
- July 11th – 15th
Falisha Forgash
Human Resource Analyst
fforgash@kingcounty.gov- Job Duties
- 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.
- Provide testimony regarding mental health status, competence, or developmental issues.
- Provide social services information/education to attorneys and clients. Coordinate, refer, and monitor relevant social services for clients.
- Prepare and present accurate case information, and persuasive mitigation reports.
- Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports an alternative sentencing 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.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Master's degree in Social Work or a related behavioral science field. Criminal defense experience or familiarity with the populations that DPD serves is required. This education and experience should demonstrate an ability to work with clients who may be under pressure and in stress, helping them to navigate complex bureaucracies and access the assistance they need.
- Demonstrated ability to keep up to date with changing work and practices in the social work/mitigation specialist field and to ensure compliance with the latest laws, regulations and techniques to support our clients.
- 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. This is necessary to support ethical and fair representation for each and every client we serve.
- Knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of social services, including case management, assessment, coordination/referrals, research, mediation, report writing, and oral communications. This is vital to ensure accuracy, effective service delivery, and legal compliance.
- Knowledge of the use of mitigation in criminal justice cases, to secure the best outcomes for those we serve.
- Knowledge of criteria for reliable biopsychosocial assessment, to assure that those we serve receive appropriate assessment and subsequent care and to improve a client’s cognition regarding their circumstances.
- Skill in handling confidential information to safeguard client privacy and identity.
- Skill in identifying potential ethical issues and seeking advice/counsel when ethical issues arise or require clarification, to guarantee ethical and fair representation for each and every client we serve.
- Skill in preparing detailed narrative reports, correspondence and other written materials to actively and progressively support a positive narrative and outcome for those we serve.
- Skill in using office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, database and email.
- Ability to testify effectively at trial, sentencing or other hearings to promote positive representation, and garner best outcomes for those we serve.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, in person and in writing, to represent our clients in the best possible light.
- Ability to work calmly and respond courteously when in stressful situations and to demonstrate confident and professional conduct.
- Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds to effectively serve vulnerable clients from all walks of life.
- Regular, reliable and predictable attendance to support timeliness and follow-through on legal items and scheduling affecting our clients.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel reasonably quickly to multiple locations, in order to serve our clients regardless of their location.
- Must be at least twenty-one years of age in order to enter facilities where our clients are being held.
- Valid Washington State Social Work or Mental Health License.
- Supplemental Information
Special Note Regarding COVID-19
DPD is following Public Health and CDC guidance regarding social distancing. Interviews for this position will be conducted remotely. Successful candidates may be required to telecommute and appear in court, the jail, or other areas as directed during the County's pandemic response.
Application Process
Interested individuals should submit a complete online King County application (all blanks must be filled out and may not direct the reader to reference an attached resume or other document. Answers that say "see resume" will be considered as incomplete), a cover letter (no more than two pages) summarizing how you meet the experience, qualifications, knowledge and skills for the job, and a resume.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed and screened for clarity, completeness, and competitiveness. Applicants may be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interview and/or skills assessment. All materials will be evaluated for spelling, grammar, and punctuation usage. The most competitive candidates will be invited to interview.
Offer of employment is contingent on:
The successful completion of vaccine verification, references, ability to pass a Washington State Patrol Background Check, ability to pass a security clearance and/or background check to secure access to correctional facilities, and a division conflicts check.
Union membership
Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employees International Union, Local 925.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
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01Are you a current and/or former employee of the Department of Public Defense?
- Yes
- No
02If yes to the above, in which division(s)? Otherwise, please indicate N/A- Associated Counsel for the Accused Division
- Northwest Defenders Division
- Society of Counsel Representing the Accused Persons Division
- The Defender Association Division
- Director's Office
- N/A
03If you responded with yes to question #1 and question #2, please provide position title(s) and associated dates of the position(s). Otherwise, please indicate N/A04Which best describes your highest level of education?- No GED or High School Degree
- General Education Degree
- High School
- Some College
- Associate's or Technical Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- PhD
- JD
- Other advanced degree
05If you answered yes in the prior question to a higher education degree, in what field is your degree? Otherwise, please indicate N/A.06How many years of criminal defense experience do you have?- No experience
- Less than one year
- One year
- More than one year
07How many years of familiarity with the populations that DPD serves do you have?- No experience
- Less than one year
- One year
- More than one year
08Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
09If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoffRequired Question