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.
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.
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.