King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants to fill one or more vacancies as a Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II. Assignments are anticipated to last for up to two years but have the ability to be extended or ending early based on business needs. This recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility pool for special duty and/or term-limited temporary opportunities within DPD's four divisions, that may occur over the next three (3) months.
Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II's assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing advice and recommendations to attorneys; they assess clients and their families, participate in case strategy and planning, and present relevant diagnostic social service needs of clients, particularly as it pertains to establishing the best possible legal defense and/or outcome, and coordinate and refer clients to relevant social services.
WHY JOIN DPD?
The King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), sex offender commitment, and inquests.
As an organization we work with the community:
- To dismantle the systems that oppress our client.
- To make sure the traditional systems that remain as restorative as possible.
- To advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed.
We also advocate to reduce the harm and reach of the criminal legal system and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’ liberties and to address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework. To learn more about DPD, visit our website .
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include but are not limited to the following:
- Provide social services information/education to attorneys and clients by telephone and in person.
- Coordinate, refer, and monitor relevant social services for clients.
- Prepare and present accurate case information and persuasive mitigation reports.
- 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.
- Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports an alternative sentencing or dispositional plan.
- Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates empathy with DPD’s clients many of whom suffer from trauma and/or mental illness, via the phone and in-person.
- Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging a diverse population.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
*Detailed specifics of job duties are assigned by case type and division.*
REQUIRED:
- 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.
- Have a valid Washington State Driver's License or the ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
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.
- Principles, methods and techniques of social services, including case management, assessment, coordination/referrals, research, mediation, report writing, and oral communications.
- The use of mitigation in criminal justice cases, to secure the best outcomes for those we serve.
- Criteria for reliable biopsychosocial assessment.
ABILITY TO:
- Keep up to date with changing work and practices in the social work/mitigation specialist field.
- Testify effectively at trial, sentencing or other hearings.
- Communicate effectively and professionally, in person and in writing.
- Work calmly and respond courteously when in stressful situations.
- Learn new and/or increasing complex duties.
- Work in a fast-paced, and multifaceted environment with high attention to detail.
- Regular, reliable and predictable attendance.
SKILL IN:
- Handling confidential information.
- Identifying potential ethical issues and seeking advice/counsel.
- Preparing detailed narrative reports, correspondence and other written materials.
- Using office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, database and email.
- Working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The following qualifications are a plus:
- Have lived experience involving the criminal legal system.
- Fluency in a foreign language.
WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION:
This position may be located in Seattle or Kent. The work week is normally 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. This position is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not eligible for overtime pay.
In this role you should expect to work both in the field and in the office, while being required to report to other locations, such as court or jail facilities. Onsite reporting requirements are determined by the departments operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly.
DPD Policies
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 to work in another division.
Outside Work Policy for Administrative Staff will apply to applicants, such that you must receive approval from your supervisor and Managing Attorney before being permitted to engage in outside employment for compensation or volunteer.
Union Membership
Positions in this classification are recognized by Service Employees International Union, Local 925.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
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