Job Description: Records Specialist
Advancing Real Change (ARC), Inc. is seeking two (2) full-time Records Specialists for its offices in Baltimore, MD, or Jacksonville, FL.
The Records Specialist will lead efforts to obtain and analyze the documentary evidence needed to develop a nuanced understanding of our clients’ life histories. The Specialist will work on behalf of indigent clients who are at risk of receiving extreme sentences, and may be involved with cases at the federal or state level and at any stage in proceedings. The majority of work will be on either capital cases or cases in which a client is at risk of life without the possibility parole for an incident that occurred during their childhood. Regardless of the case characteristics, the Records Specialist will play a critical role in working with the records required as part of a high-quality mitigation investigation. Position requirements and responsibilities are available at the end of this posting.
Who we are (and are not)
ARC, Inc. is a growing nonprofit organization dedicated to doing big things. Our team goes above and beyond to ensure that our clients receive the quality defense to which they are entitled. We believe strongly in human dignity and its potential as a force for change in the criminal legal system. We seek to provide our staff members with the compensation, support, and flexibility that will enable them to sustain this effort over time. As teammates, we respect each other’s diverse contributions to the work.
ARC, Inc. is neither a private firm nor a government agency. If you are looking for a 9-to-5 job, if you take a checklist-style approach to mitigation, or if you are anything less than 100% committed to the inherent dignity of our clients and the work involved in carrying that message forward, we are not a fit for you.
What we offer
The salary for this position will be between $43,000 and $47,000. Benefits include an annual contribution of $4,000 toward health and dental coverage (can be applied to our group plan premium or received as a taxed stipend), employer contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, and a $50/month stipend to defray transit or parking costs. ARC, Inc. will also cover expenses related to professional development opportunities. Our leave policy includes no annual limit on, or pay deductions for, time off. It is our hope that staff members use this time to balance periods that require extensive and sustained work.
Most importantly, we offer the opportunity to work in an environment that acknowledges that your ultimate responsibility is to our clients and that we will provide every support to help meet that commitment. By accepting a position with us, you are committed to creating systemic change and accept the challenges that come with that goal.
What you will offer
The ideal candidate for this position will bring:
- consistent attention to detail across a high volume of documents and records,
- commitment to upholding and promoting mitigation best practices, as outlined in the ABA Guidelines for Mitigation Function of Defense Team in Capital Cases and in the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Guidelines for the Representation of Child Clients,
- mindfulness of what is needed to work across cultural differences of all kinds,
- resilience in the face of difficult work,
- creativity in responding to challenges and developing strategies, and
- eagerness to work as part of a team of mission-driven individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Position Details
The Records Specialist is a full-time position based in ARC, Inc.’s offices in Baltimore, MD, or Jacksonville, FL. This position reports directly to the Co-Directors of Mitigation Casework and will receive additional support from Life History Investigators. The responsibilities of the position include:
As a specialist on a case
- obtaining and analyzing documentary evidence relevant to the client’s life history,
- constructing summaries, digests, chronologies, and other case-related documents,
- organizing and administering the case file,
- drafting clear and concise memos covering a variety of topics,
- fostering productive working relationships with members of the defense team,
- consulting with attorneys to develop theories of the case and case strategy, and
- completing other tasks needed for the success of the case.
As a member of the ARC, Inc. team
- knowing and adhering to all company policies and procedures,
- participating in team meetings and internal trainings,
- helping to plan and carry out ARC, Inc.-hosted trainings,
- playing a supportive role in special events and fundraising efforts,
- assisting with administrative functions of the office as requested by management, and
- performing other duties as dictated by the needs of the office.
This position may also be preparation for a later role as a Life History Investigator. As such, a Records Specialist may receive training regarding and exposure to tasks such as:
- developing and maintaining strong client relationships,
- identifying, locating, and interviewing witnesses who are knowledgeable about the client at every phase of their life, and developing ongoing relationships as needed,
- assisting in identifying and working with experts, and
- managing case budget, timeframe, and other resources.
Application process
Those wishing to apply for this position should first ensure that they meet the following minimum requirements: clear written and oral expression, driver’s license (or ability to obtain one), and familiarity with issues in mental health, mental disability, trauma, racial justice, poverty, and other relevant topics.
Additional qualifications that are preferred but not required include a 4-year degree, relevant post-graduate degree, a second language (preferably Spanish), and proficiency with case management programs and software.
This position is required to qualify for a private investigator’s license; if you meet other qualifications but are unsure of your eligibility for a license, you are encouraged to contact our team for further discussion.
Those meeting the minimum requirements should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and a brief (3 – 5 page) writing sample on our website at, https://advancechange.org/career/records-specialist/. Please indicate your interest in being considered for the Baltimore office, Florida office, or both locations. Successful applications will convey the applicant’s fit with the position as described and motivation in pursuing mitigation as a career.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
