Mitigation Assistance Specialist

The Holistic Services Division of the Harris County Public Defender’s Office seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated non-capital mitigation assistance specialist to join our team. The specialist will work closely with attorneys and clients to identify mitigating evidence to support the client’s criminal defense team. Applicants should have excellent writing, research, and communication skills, and they should have experience authoring formal mitigation memoranda, compiling psychosocial histories, and conducting thorough client/witness interviews for use in criminal pre-trial negotiations and sentencing.

The specialist must manage a caseload of clients charged with anything from non-violent misdemeanors all the way up to serious felony offenses. They should be able to identify holistic services that would benefit the client.

• Conduct thorough mitigation interviews with clients and witnesses, some of whom may be in the custody of Harris County Jail.
• Collect and analyze records in support of mitigation arguments, including mental health records, physical health records, jail/prison records, and school records.
• Travel for in-person witness interviews when necessary.
• Communicate and collaborate with attorneys, investigators, experts, and support staff regarding the presentation of mitigation evidence in the context of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases.
• Willingness to work with some clients who are accused of serious criminal offenses.
• Testify in court occasionally.
• Identify social services that clients need and assist in connecting clients to resources.
• Identify the need for expert assistance and research appropriate experts.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

• Writing sample required.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with
• At least one (1) year of social service experience.
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris Doctorate (JD).

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. See Resume will not be accepted for qualifications.

• Spanish/English bilingual.
• Licensed Social Worker.
• Professional experience with mitigation work.
• Prior experience working with populations who experience persistent mental illnesses, homelessness, and/or substance use disorders.

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 pay periods

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.