Mitigation Specialist

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Job description

Court Name/Organization: California Northern Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position: The Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of California is accepting applications for afull-time Mitigation Specialist to join our legal teams providing representation of indigent clients infederal criminal proceedings throughout the District. This role is instrumental in ensuring thezealous and effective advocacy for our defense efforts, contributing to our mission of upholding theconstitutional right to counsel and the dignity of individuals who are accused or convicted of crimesand cannot afford their own lawyer.

The Mitigation Specialist is responsible for developing and analyzing mitigation evidence to assist attorneys in client focused representation. The mitigation specialist will work on interdisciplinary teams to lead and develop the mitigation investigation at all stages of federal criminal proceedings

Key Responsibilities
In furtherance of these duties, the Mitigation Specialist will:

• Work closely and collaboratively with attorneys and the entire defense team to coordinate and integrate a client's life history into the defense strategy
• Gather, investigate, validate, and report to counsel all aspects of client's life history obtained from multiple sources, including education, employment, medical, mental health, and social service agencies
• Conduct thorough, independent investigations into all aspects of the client's character, history, criminal record, and mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense
• Conduct in-person interviews with various individuals, including clients, family members, friends, educators, employers, military personnel, healthcare providers, religious leaders, and law enforcement
• Provide attorneys with detailed documentation and useful summaries of the investigation, including genealogies, social history reports, chronologies, and analysis of relevant cultural, socioeconomic, environmental, racial, and religious factors affecting the client
• Identify and consult with expert witnesses, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and other specialized professionals
• Assist attorneys in court and prepare sentencing presentations using various methods, such as written reports, videos, or live testimony
• Prepare reentry and release plans addressing support for the client transitioning back to the community with referral resources and community-based programs such as drug or alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, financial assistance, housing, or childcare
• Stay up to date with current research and trends in areas such as substance use disorders, mental health considerations, and the impact of incarceration
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally competent representation to clients
• Perform additional tasks as needed or assigned

Location, Travel & Flexibility
This position will assist on cases in all three divisions, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. There will be a designated duty station in one division (preference for which division can be discussed with the Defender), but the individual may be temporarily assigned to any of the three offices at the Defender's discretion. This position is subject to the office's telework policy, which allows for up to one day of remote work per week (subject to change). The role requires travel within the district, as well as occasional out-of-district and international travel for investigations, training, and litigation. All travel expenses will be reimbursed. The position may also involve varying work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

How To Apply

To apply, please compile a single PDF file including the following material:

• A plain face sheet, containing only your last name, first name, and the name of your current employer and/or your current employment status
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position
• Your resume
• Three professional references, including name, email address, and telephone numbers (references will not be contacted until applicant is advised)
• A relevant writing sample such as a mitigation report, biopsychosocial assessment or social history that demonstrates your own original work

Applicants will only be contacted if selected for an interview. The position will remain open until filled with preferential review to applications received by Oct. 4, 2024.

The federal Judiciary is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

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