Mitigation Specialist

Company: Federal Public Defender Northern District of Alaba
Location: Birmingham
Posted on: August 5, 2022

Job Description:

OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER Northern District of Alabama TEMPORARY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT MITIGATION SPECIALIST (Professional Internship) The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Alabama is accepting applications for the two-year position of Mitigation Specialist for the Birmingham office. The Federal Public Defender Office provides legal representation and criminal defense services to individuals charged with federal crimes who are financially unable to retain counsel. Mitigation investigation is routinely conducted as many of our clients are from low-income backgrounds and have a history of medical, psychiatric, and addiction issues. Responsibilities: The Mitigation Specialist plays an integral role in the development and work-up of a client---s case. This position entails: Providing the case team with trauma-informed, culturally competent social histories and person-in-environment information to assist in the representation of clients; Conducting biopsychosocial interviews with clients, their families, teachers, employers, neighbors, and other life history witnesses. Providing detailed written and oral reporting of information to attorneys, other members of the client---s legal team, and mental health experts; Identifying, requesting, and summarizing life history records, including those related to birth, education, employment, mental health, substance abuse, and othersources. This can include locating and interviewing witnesses in the field and serving subpoenas; Collaboratively working with members of the trial team to identify and consult with expert witnesses, including psychologists, psychiatrists or other specialized professionals to assist in presenting mitigation evidence; Facilitating client referral and entry into treatment, housing, educational or vocational programs. Qualifications: Applicants must have: A graduate degree in social work and be licensure eligible if not already licensed in the State of Alabama; The ability and desire to continue learning and applying trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices with those who are often survivors of trauma and mental illness; Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonalskills; The ability to work both collaboratively and independently while prioritizing large amounts of information and communicating with the team on investigativeefforts; High level of organizational skills and the ability to gather, maintain, and manage documents and information for assignedcases; The ability to obtain and verify documents and evidence, interview clients and witnesses, report findings, and assist attorneys in preparing for trial and sentencing; Comprehensive knowledge of investigative principles, practices, methods, and techniques to assist in a team approach for planning and developing litigation strategy in criminal cases; Above all, a strong commitment to providing first-rate representation support to indigent persons in proceedings under federal criminal law isrequired. Salary is dependent on experience, qualifications, and is in accordance with Administrative Office of U.S. Courts, and Defender Services. This position is full-time with federal salary and benefits. Applicants must possess a valid driver---s license, insurance, and own/operate a personal vehicle for business purposes (mileage is reimbursable). Fluency in Spanish is preferred, but not required. Employees of the Federal Public Defender are members of the judicial branch of government. Salary payable only by Electronic Funds Transfer. They are considered at-will employees and are not covered by the Civil Service Reform Act. This announcement is also posted at www.aln.fd.org. Please send a cover letter, resume and the names of three references to: Kevin L. Butler Office of the Federal Public Defender 505 20th Street North, Suite 1425 Birmingham, AL 35203 PLEASE NO TELEPHONE OR EMAIL INQUIRIES Application Deadline: August 5, 2022 THE OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Keywords: Federal Public Defender Northern District of Alaba, Birmingham , Mitigation Specialist, Other , Birmingham, Alabama