Mitigation Specialist

Mitigation Specialist Position OpeningHiring:Full time, permanent, non-remoteSocial Services' Mitigation SpecialistPalm Beach County Office of the Public Defender, 15 th Judicial Circuit421 3 rd Street | West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | (561) 355-7500Position Overview:The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15 th Judicial Circuit, seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Mitigation Specialist to support criminal defense counsel in criminal cases. This role involves developing mitigation materials, including memoranda and reports, to assist attorneys in advocating for clients.Reporting to the Chief of the Social Services and Mental Health Division, t his role is internal and external facing. The Mitigation Specialist works closely with attorneys and clients to gather, analyze, and present information that supports case strategy, sentencing advocacy, and alternative outcomes. This role also includes early intervention at the onset of a client's arrest, including meeting with individuals and connecting them to appropriate treatment and community-based services. Strong writing skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage multiple cases effectively are essential. It also involves conducting fieldwork, jail visits, and record collection.Compensation: $55,000-65,000 depending on qualifications, and State of Florida benefits.Generous Holiday and Annual Leave:Approximately 13 annual holidays when the office is closed; 8 hours per month of annual leave (with annual increases based on years of service); 2 annual observance days; and 8 hours per month of sick leave.Organization Description:Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office is a constitutional entity, which works to ensure justice for the poor in Palm Beach County, FLA. Known for its client-centered approach, the office represents indigent people who are charged with committing a criminal offense and unable to hire an attorney to represent them when their life or liberty is at stake; OR when appealing to the Fourth District Court of Appeal from the 15th, 17th, and 19th judicial circuits.The office's mission is to protect, defend, and uphold the constitutional rights of indigent persons to high quality legal representation, fair treatment, and equal justice.The office handles approximately 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers (120), investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, which houses the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county. Our Divisions include: County Court , Felony, Mental Health, Major Crimes, Juvenile, Appeals, Specialty Courts & Divisions , and Investigative & Social Services Units.Key Responsibilities Include: Work collaboratively with attorneys to develop mitigation strategies for assigned casesMeet with individuals at or near the onset of arrest to assess needs and facilitate linkage to appropriate treatment and community-based servicesConduct client interviews, including meeting with individuals in custodyGather and review relevant records (e.g., social, medical, educational, and criminal history)Conduct interviews with family members and other collateral contactsAssess client backgrounds, needs, and mitigating factorsDraft clear, concise, and persuasive memos and mitigation reportsMaintain organized case files and documentationManage a caseload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environmentAssist in developing client-centered narratives for advocacy purposesMinimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or a related fieldStrong written and verbal communication skillsExcellent organizational and time management abilitiesAbility to work independently and collaborativelyComfortable working with justice-involved individuals, particularly attorneysAbility to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalismPreferred Qualifications: Experience in criminal defense, social services, case management, or investigationsExperience conducting assessments and linking individuals to services or treatmentKnowledge of the criminal justice systemExperience writing reports, summaries, or legal-related documentsSkills & Competencies: Strong writing and editing skillsAttention to detailCritical thinking and analytical abilityInterpersonal and interviewing skillsFlexibility and adaptabilityAbility to manage multiple prioritiesWillingness to travel to detention and treatment facilities and to conduct fieldworkTo apply:Submit cover letter, resume, three professional references (name, position, email, phone), and a short writing sample such as a memo or report. Powered by JazzHR