Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II

We are also looking to fill Term-Limited Temporary/Special Duty positions. To be considered, you must apply via a separate posting here. You will only be considered for the position to which you apply. 

King County Department of Public Defense (DPD) is seeking interested applicants to fill one Career Service vacancy as a Public Defense Mitigation Specialist II. 
 
This recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility pool for Career Service opportunities within DPD's Society of Counsel for the Accused Division (SCRAPD), 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

• Have the ability to work onsite as well as to report to various locations, including court, jail facilities, hospitals/treatment centers, etc., throughout the county.  
• Have the ability to see clients within 72-hours of assignment.
• 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 legal system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that supports an alternative sentencing or dispositional plan. Similarly, advocate for clients in the legal system who are responding to a dependency petition, Sexual Offender Commitment petition, and other proceedings affecting the client's liberty, or other constitutionally protected interest.
• 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. This education and experience should demonstrate an ability to work with clients who may be under pressure and in stress, helping them to navigate complex bureaucracies and access the assistance they need.
• 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. This is necessary to support ethical and fair representation for each and every client we serve.
• Principles, methods and techniques of social services, including case management, assessment, coordination/referrals, research, mediation, report writing, and oral communications. This is vital to ensure accuracy, effective service delivery, and legal compliance.
• The use of mitigation in criminal justice cases, to secure the best outcomes for those we serve.
• Criteria for reliable biopsychosocial assessment, to assure that those we serve receive appropriate assessment and subsequent care and to improve a client’s cognition regarding their circumstances.

ABILITY TO:

• Keep up to date with changing work and practices in the social work/mitigation specialist field and to ensure compliance with the latest laws, regulations and techniques to support our clients.
• Testify effectively at trial, sentencing or other hearings to promote positive representation, and garner best outcomes for those we serve.
• Communicate effectively and professionally, in person and in writing, to represent our clients in the best possible light.
• Work calmly and respond courteously when in stressful situations and to demonstrate confident and professional conduct.
• 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 to support timeliness and follow-through on legal items and scheduling affecting our clients.

SKILL IN:

• Handling confidential information to safeguard client privacy and identity.
• Identifying potential ethical issues and seeking advice/counsel when ethical issues arise or require clarification, to guarantee ethical and fair representation for each and every client we serve.
• Preparing detailed narrative reports, correspondence and other written materials to actively and progressively support a positive narrative and outcome for those we serve.
• Using office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, database and email.
• Working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds to effectively serve vulnerable clients from all walks of life.

The following qualifications are a plus:

• Have lived experience involving the criminal legal system.
• Fluency in a foreign language.

WHY KING COUNTY? 

At King County, our work is guided by our True North and values. Our True North is what we aspire to: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive.

King County offers great benefits, to include a pension plan, holidays, transit pass, plus training and education opportunities to promote growth and development. Our focus is to provide our employees with work life balance.

ARE YOU READY TO APPLY?
 
This opportunity it is open to all qualified applicants. Please apply at www.kingcounty.gov/careers.
 
This recruitment may be used to establish an eligibility pool for Career Service opportunities within DPD Society of Counsel for the Accused, that may occur over the next three (3) months.

To be considered for this role submit the following items:

• Completed King County application.
• A current resume.
• Cover letter detailing your background and what you can bring to the Department of Public Defense.
• A short self-authored writing sample (in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format). Examples of appropriate items include an advocacy document, psychosocial assessment or a letter on behalf of a client.

If you have questions, please contact our Talent Advisors, at dpd-hr@kingcounty.gov.
  
WORK SCHEDULE AND LOCATION:
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. Placements may occur in Seattle and/or Kent.
  
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 , jail facilities, hospitals/treatment centers. Onsite reporting requirements are determined by the departments operational needs and may be adjusted accordingly. 

DPD maintains physical offices in the following locations:

• Dexter Horton Building, 710 Second Avenue, Seattle; 
• Jefferson Street Building, 1401 East Jefferson, Seattle; 
• Meeker Street Building, 420 West Harrison Street, Kent.

Rotations of work location and practice area and/or workflow are an essential function and can occur based on business need.
 
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.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
 
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
  
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, this salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. King County offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life and disability insurance for employees and dependents; retirement and deferred compensation. For additional information, please review the detailed summary of benefits offered by King County.

Salary : $93,666 - $118,727