Mitigation Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Mitigation Specialist Position Opening

Hiring:  
Full time, permanent, non-remote
Social Services’ Mitigation Specialist
Palm Beach County Office of the Public Defender, 15th Judicial Circuit
421 3rd Street | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | View phone number on ziprecruiter.com

Position Overview:
The Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office, 15th Judicial Circuit, seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Mitigation Specialist to support criminal defense counsel in criminal cases. This role involves developing mitigation materials, including memoranda and reports, to assist attorneys in advocating for clients.

Reporting to the Chief of the Social Services and Mental Health Division, this role is internal and external facing. The Mitigation Specialist works closely with attorneys and clients to gather, analyze, and present information that supports case strategy, sentencing advocacy, and alternative outcomes. This role also includes early intervention at the onset of a client’s arrest, including meeting with individuals and connecting them to appropriate treatment and community-based services. Strong writing skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage multiple cases effectively are essential. It also involves conducting fieldwork, jail visits, and record collection.

Compensation: $55,000-65,000 depending on qualifications, and State of Florida benefits.

Generous Holiday and Annual Leave:
Approximately 13 annual holidays when the office is closed; 8 hours per month of annual leave (with annual increases based on years of service); 2 annual observance days; and 8 hours per month of sick leave.

Organization Description:
Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office is a constitutional entity, which works to ensure justice for the poor in Palm Beach County, FLA. Known for its client-centered approach, the office represents indigent people who are charged with committing a criminal offense and unable to hire an attorney to represent them when their life or liberty is at stake; OR when appealing to the Fourth District Court of Appeal from the 15th, 17th, and 19th judicial circuits.

The office’s mission is to protect, defend, and uphold the constitutional rights of indigent persons to high quality legal representation, fair treatment, and equal justice.

The office handles approximately 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers (120), investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, which houses the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county.  Our Divisions include: County Court , Felony, Mental Health, Major Crimes, Juvenile, Appeals, Specialty Courts & Divisions , and Investigative & Social Services Units.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Work collaboratively with attorneys to develop mitigation strategies for assigned cases
• Meet with individuals at or near the onset of arrest to assess needs and facilitate linkage to appropriate treatment and community-based services
• Conduct client interviews, including meeting with individuals in custody
• Gather and review relevant records (e.g., social, medical, educational, and criminal history)
• Conduct interviews with family members and other collateral contacts
• Assess client backgrounds, needs, and mitigating factors
• Draft clear, concise, and persuasive memos and mitigation reports
• Maintain organized case files and documentation
• Manage a caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Assist in developing client-centered narratives for advocacy purposes

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working with justice-involved individuals, particularly attorneys
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in criminal defense, social services, case management, or investigations
• Experience conducting assessments and linking individuals to services or treatment
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system
• Experience writing reports, summaries, or legal-related documents

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong writing and editing skills
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking and analytical ability
• Interpersonal and interviewing skills
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Willingness to travel to detention and treatment facilities and to conduct fieldwork

To apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, three professional references (name, position, email, phone), and a short writing sample such as a memo or report.

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