Program Specialist

Title: Mitigation Specialist - Virginia Beach State Role Title: Investig and Legal Support II Hiring Range: $60,210.00 + State Benefits Agency: Indigent Defense Commission Location: VIRGINIA BEACH 302 Agency Website: Recruitment Type: General Public - G Job Duties The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is now accepting applications for the position of Mitigation Specialist in the Virginia Beach Public Defender's Office. The Mitigation Specialist assists attorneys in providing zealous, high-quality representation to indigent persons accused of criminal offenses. The Mitigation Specialist reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Virginia Beach Office and is employed at-will. The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Interviews clients, their families, and relevant witnesses to take in-depth life history and review client’s mental health, educational and medical histories to aid with the defense trial or in mitigation. Be a supportive resource for clients in crisis, including quick assessments and identification of appropriate intervention or linkages to services where necessary. Assist with the development of defense themes of mitigation, alternative sentencing plans, and identifying appropriate witnesses to testify in court. Maintain confidentiality of client records and case files. Develop and maintain effective time-management and organizational skills in a manner that allows adequate time to track and abide by deadlines, prepare cases, complete administrative paperwork, and respect co-workers’ time constraints. Coordinate services with other criminal justice agencies to increase dispositional resources for public defender clients. Represent the office on various committees and task forces that provide services to public defender clients. This position also requires that the Mitigation Specialist behaves professionally to uphold the integrity and enhance the professional reputation of the Mitigation Specialist and the office, while also enhancing office efficiency and effectiveness through teamwork. The Mitigation Specialist must be aware of, and adhere to, the code of professional conduct governing all members of the defense team representing criminal defendants. The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and is dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent required. Education, training, and/or work experience in mental health or counseling, and some experience in a mental health discipline dealing with families and support groups, is a requirement. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively, along with the ability to establish rapport and maintain professional relationships with client’s family members and other critical individuals and agencies that provide services to clients. The ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally is required. A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel is needed. Additional Considerations Prior experience researching and gathering data to reach a supportable conclusion in support of mitigation arguments, along with interviewing experience and applicable techniques, experience conducting interviews to prepare family and social history reports, experience examining medical records and identifying mental health factors that will assist in mitigation, knowledge of the criminal trial and sentencing process and previous experience working with indigent clients. Special Instructions Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship. This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan. In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process. Contact Information Name: Ashley Washington Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr