King County, WA
Public Defense Mitigation Specialist Supervisor (Special Duty Assignment)
King County, WA, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Public Defense Mitigation Specialist Supervisor (Special Duty Assignment) King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment as a Public Defense Mitigation Specialist Supervisor in the Northwest Defenders Division. This assignment is anticipated to last up to 6 months but has the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs. This recruitment will also be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future Special Duty Assignment vacancies that may occur over the next six (6) months. This is an internal recruitment and only open to Career Service Department of Public Defense, Northwest Defenders Division employees.
Summary: This position is part of the division’s supervisory/management team and will lead and develop a team of Mitigation Specialists and assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing advice and recommendations to attorneys in assessing clients and their families, participating in case strategy and planning, and presenting relevant diagnostic social service needs of clients.
Why join DPD
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings. We work with the community to dismantle oppressive systems, pursue restorative practices where possible, and advocate for pathways that help clients succeed. Our workplace strives to be flexible, inclusive, respectful, and anti-oppressive.
Responsibilities (Essential Job Functions) Be onsite at work locations at least three days a week in any of DPD’s office locations (Seattle and Kent). Location assignments are changeable and may include multiple offices over a week or during employment.
Supervise Public Defense Mitigation Specialists.
Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach assigned staff.
Ensure mitigation work conforms with Department and division expectations, professional standards, and county policies. Collaborate with Managing Attorney and division management on unit mitigation practices, work, feedback, and expectations.
In consultation with Managing Attorney and HR Manager, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate.
Assign and balance workload among Mitigation Specialists.
Perform assessments, diagnose mental illness or addictions, conduct interviews to collect information, and gather records for mitigation/competency; prepare comprehensive psychosocial histories as needed.
Provide social services information/education to attorneys and clients; coordinate, refer, and monitor relevant social services for clients.
Prepare and present accurate case information and persuasive mitigation reports.
Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by developing information that supports alternative sentencing or dispositional plans; advocate for clients in dependency petitions and related proceedings affecting liberty or constitutional interests.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity with diverse populations; communicate with empathy with clients who may have experienced trauma or mental illness.
Respond to calls, provide support, and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Master's degree in social work or related behavioral science field.
Criminal defense experience or familiarity with the populations DPD serves, with ability to assist clients under pressure navigating bureaucracies.
Ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner.
Must be 21 years of age.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of attorney-mitigation specialist relationship and ethical standards governing Mitigation Specialists.
Principles and methods of social services, case management, assessment, coordination/referrals, research, mediation, report writing, and oral communication.
Roles of mitigation in criminal justice cases and methodologies for assessment and documenting mental health information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service to diverse populations; testify effectively; communicate clearly in writing and verbally; maintain calm under pressure; reliable attendance.
Handling confidential information; identifying ethical issues; preparing detailed reports; proficiency with Office software and case management systems.
Preferred Qualifications Experience supervising a team of Mitigation Specialists.
Having lived experience with the criminal legal system; foreign language fluency.
Supplemental Information and Benefits
King County offers a comprehensive benefits package, with pension, health coverage, paid time off, holidays, and other programs. This position is exempt from FLSA and may require some night and weekend work. Location includes various NDD offices in Seattle and Kent. Rotation of work location and practice area may occur based on business need.
How to Apply
This is an INTERNAL ONLY recruitment for current Career Service Department of Public Defense Northwest Defenders Division employees. Apply at www.kingcounty.gov/careers. Submit:
An online employment application
A cover letter (no more than two pages)
Resume
Questions: dpd-hr@kingcounty.gov
Work Schedule and Location
Locations include Dexter Horton Building (Seattle), Jefferson Street Building (Seattle), Meeker Street Building (Kent). Some travel may be required. Rotations and onsite reporting requirements determined by department needs.
EEO Note
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Public Defense Mitigation Specialist Supervisor (Special Duty Assignment) King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants to fill one (1) Special Duty Assignment as a Public Defense Mitigation Specialist Supervisor in the Northwest Defenders Division. This assignment is anticipated to last up to 6 months but has the ability to be extended or end early based on business needs. This recruitment will also be used to create an eligibility pool to fill future Special Duty Assignment vacancies that may occur over the next six (6) months. This is an internal recruitment and only open to Career Service Department of Public Defense, Northwest Defenders Division employees.
Summary: This position is part of the division’s supervisory/management team and will lead and develop a team of Mitigation Specialists and assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing advice and recommendations to attorneys in assessing clients and their families, participating in case strategy and planning, and presenting relevant diagnostic social service needs of clients.
Why join DPD
DPD provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile defense, family defense (dependency cases), involuntary commitment (mental illness), and sex offender commitment proceedings. We work with the community to dismantle oppressive systems, pursue restorative practices where possible, and advocate for pathways that help clients succeed. Our workplace strives to be flexible, inclusive, respectful, and anti-oppressive.
Responsibilities (Essential Job Functions) Be onsite at work locations at least three days a week in any of DPD’s office locations (Seattle and Kent). Location assignments are changeable and may include multiple offices over a week or during employment.
Supervise Public Defense Mitigation Specialists.
Develop, evaluate, train, mentor, and coach assigned staff.
Ensure mitigation work conforms with Department and division expectations, professional standards, and county policies. Collaborate with Managing Attorney and division management on unit mitigation practices, work, feedback, and expectations.
In consultation with Managing Attorney and HR Manager, conduct disciplinary investigations and impose discipline when appropriate.
Assign and balance workload among Mitigation Specialists.
Perform assessments, diagnose mental illness or addictions, conduct interviews to collect information, and gather records for mitigation/competency; prepare comprehensive psychosocial histories as needed.
Provide social services information/education to attorneys and clients; coordinate, refer, and monitor relevant social services for clients.
Prepare and present accurate case information and persuasive mitigation reports.
Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by developing information that supports alternative sentencing or dispositional plans; advocate for clients in dependency petitions and related proceedings affecting liberty or constitutional interests.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity with diverse populations; communicate with empathy with clients who may have experienced trauma or mental illness.
Respond to calls, provide support, and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications Master's degree in social work or related behavioral science field.
Criminal defense experience or familiarity with the populations DPD serves, with ability to assist clients under pressure navigating bureaucracies.
Ability to travel throughout the county in a timely manner.
Must be 21 years of age.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of attorney-mitigation specialist relationship and ethical standards governing Mitigation Specialists.
Principles and methods of social services, case management, assessment, coordination/referrals, research, mediation, report writing, and oral communication.
Roles of mitigation in criminal justice cases and methodologies for assessment and documenting mental health information.
Ability to provide excellent customer service to diverse populations; testify effectively; communicate clearly in writing and verbally; maintain calm under pressure; reliable attendance.
Handling confidential information; identifying ethical issues; preparing detailed reports; proficiency with Office software and case management systems.
Preferred Qualifications Experience supervising a team of Mitigation Specialists.
Having lived experience with the criminal legal system; foreign language fluency.
Supplemental Information and Benefits
King County offers a comprehensive benefits package, with pension, health coverage, paid time off, holidays, and other programs. This position is exempt from FLSA and may require some night and weekend work. Location includes various NDD offices in Seattle and Kent. Rotation of work location and practice area may occur based on business need.
How to Apply
This is an INTERNAL ONLY recruitment for current Career Service Department of Public Defense Northwest Defenders Division employees. Apply at www.kingcounty.gov/careers. Submit:
An online employment application
A cover letter (no more than two pages)
Resume
Questions: dpd-hr@kingcounty.gov
Work Schedule and Location
Locations include Dexter Horton Building (Seattle), Jefferson Street Building (Seattle), Meeker Street Building (Kent). Some travel may be required. Rotations and onsite reporting requirements determined by department needs.
EEO Note
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr