Special Assistant for Mitigation

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Organization information
Organization name: 
NYS Office of Indigent Legal Services
Street address: 
80 S. Swan Street
City: 
Albany
ZIP: 
12210
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

The New York State Office of Indigent Legal Services seeks an experienced mitigation specialist to support the efforts of the Statewide Appellate Support Center team located at ILS offices in Albany, New York. The Special Assistant for Mitigation will continue to build relationships with providers and create resources for criminal and Family Court defense teams statewide that seek information on defense mitigation best practices; databases on social workers, case managers, mental health experts, and/or mitigation specialists; and resources on services and treatment programs for the benefit of clients. In addition, the Special Assistant for Mitigation will help to facilitate and develop trainings for criminal and Family Court defense team members regarding how to effectively work with social workers, case managers, and/or mitigation specialists, and other defense team members, including investigators, at the trial, pretrial, sentencing, resentencing, and post-conviction stages of a case. The Special Assistant for Mitigation will also continue to develop trainings for defense team members about how to effectively interview clients and collateral contacts to present a life history highlighting mitigating circumstances to effectively advocate for favorable dispositions; how to facilitate enrollment in appropriate treatment programs; and how to work as an effective member of the defense team. The Special Assistant for Mitigation will also be available to consult with attorneys and local social workers, case managers, and/or mitigation specialists regarding individual cases.

Requirements: 

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience.

*Substitutions: Four years of specialized experience or an Associate degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree. J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a degree and at least 5 years’ experience in mitigation investigations, social work, human services, Family Court defense work, or criminal defense work. In addition, knowledge of mitigation practices, awareness of relevant social science research, strong interpersonal and organizational skills, and a commitment to criminal and social justice are strongly preferred.

To apply: 

Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications. Indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number (159986) of each position you are applying to.

Notes: 
The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to New Yorkers facing criminal charges or family litigation who cannot afford counsel. Our agency’s work is transforming criminal defense and parental representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and maintain family integrity. Join us to help shape policy and practice statewide and to have a profound impact on justice statewide. Become part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a more fair and just society. ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values not only guide our work; we believe they are essential to fulfilling our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS staff share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformational change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. ILS welcomes candidates regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, or arrest record or criminal conviction history. We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including: • Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Care Benefits. • Life Insurance. • Paid Personal Leave, Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays. • Paid Family Leave. • Health Care Spending Account. • Dependent Care Advantage Account. • Membership in the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System. • Voluntary Defined Contribution Plan. • Deferred Compensation Plan. ILS employees are eligible to apply to telecommute part-time and/or adjust work hours in accordance with ILS’s policies, subject to supervisor approval. The Capital Region is a great place to live with a low cost-of living in neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural within a short commute. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or an arts aficionado, there is something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches and museums and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a 300-year history, there’s much to enjoy and explore. Employees may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice. The State of New York is committed to assuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at [email protected].
Salary range: 
From $93895 to $99895 Annually
Submission deadline: 
Wednesday, July 3, 2024