Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II
- Summary
The Department of Public Defense (DPD) is committed to providing legal representation to indigent clients in the only county in the United States named after Martin Luther King Jr, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County. King County is a vibrant community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the artistic and social traditions of many cultures.
The DPD provides legal representation to indigent people who are facing felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile offenders, dependencies, involuntary commitment, civil commitment of sexually violent predators, and contempt of court. The Department also works to address racial disproportionality in the criminal legal system, the collateral consequences of justice involvement, and other structural and/or systemic issues that undermine the rights of the criminally accused. It employs not only attorneys, but also skilled investigators, mitigation specialists, paralegals, and other support staff.
The Public Defense Mitigation Specialist assists 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.
Employment at DPD offers the chance to practice public defense at a very high level, while living in a vibrant urban environment surrounded by natural beauty.
To learn more about DPD, please check out our website at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/public-defense.aspx
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 and/or term-limited temporary positions in any of the Department's four divisions and/or offices located throughout King County that may occur within the next 6 months. The practice area and work location of the position can be rotated based on business need.
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.
Department of Public Defense intends to fill at this time:- One Career Service Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II located in the Northwest Defenders Division. The work location is initially assigned to work in Seattle
- One Career Service Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II located in the Defender Association Division. The work location is initially assigned to work in Seattle
We anticipate interviews taking place in late September/early October with a desired start date of mid October.- 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 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability to keep up to date with changing work and practices in the social work/mitigation field.
- 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.
- Regular, reliable and predictable attendance.
- Valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel reasonably quickly to multiple locations.
- Must be at least twenty one years of age.
- Valid Washington State Social Work or Mental Health License.
- Passing a Washington State Patrol Background check
- Passing King County Jail Clearance
- Successfully passing a conflicts check
- Supplemental Information
Where To Apply: Interested individuals should submit an online application, resume, and a letter of interest. The letter of interest should describe 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. For inquiries, please feel free to contact Irma Van Buskirk at irma.vanbuskirk@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-9002.
Applicants may be required to demonstrate their qualifications at the time of the interview and/or skills assessment.
Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is not overtime eligible. The workweek is normally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Union membership: Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employee's International Union, Local 925.
King County is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer and we encourage people of color, women, veterans and people with disabilities to apply.
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
- The Defender Association
- Northwest Defenders
- Society of Counsel Representing the Accused Persons
- Director's Office
- N/A
03If you responded with yes to question #1 and #2, please provide position title(s) and associated dates of the position(s). Otherwise, please indicate N/A.04Which 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 familiarity with the populations that DPD serves do you have?- No experience
- Less than one year
- One year
- More than one year
07How many years of criminal defense experience do you have?- No experience
- Less than one year
- One year
- More than one year
Required Question