Mitigation Specialist

About The Position

Clark County Special Public Defender's Office is seeking qualified candidates to apply for the Mitigation Specialist position. This position will join a defense team representing individuals charged with the most serious offenses, including death penalty cases. The ideal candidate will conduct mitigation investigations, gather and analyze records, locate and interview clients, family members, and other collateral witnesses, develop comprehensive psychosocial histories, identify and document factors relevant to sentencing, and assist clients in accessing community resources and support services.

The successful candidate will work closely with attorneys, investigators, experts, clients, and their families to develop compelling mitigation evidence and advocate for positive client outcomes.

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, criminal justice or a related field plus two (2) years of full‑time experience in capital mitigation. An advanced degree may substitute one year of experience.
• Valid Nevada Class C Driver’s License at time of appointment.
• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; no H1B visa sponsorship.
• Pre‑employment drug testing required.

• Works independently and as part of a defense team conducting criminal investigations for capital cases.
• Compiles historical information through interviewing and record gathering for mitigation/competency.
• Investigates, develops and presents information that supports a sentence other than death in capital cases.
• Prepares comprehensive psychosocial histories.
• Accesses community resources.
• Advocates for clients in the criminal justice system.
• Interviews high‑risk clients in custody at the jail.
• Coordinates expert witnesses.
• Provides support to clients and their families.
• Provides information/education to attorneys regarding developmental disabilities, mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Assists in competency screenings.
• Maintains confidentiality/privilege within the agency.
• Prepares and presents accurate case information and persuasive mitigation reports to the court.
• Maintains a network of contacts within the criminal justice system to facilitate and expedite services for clients.
• Accurately assesses clients’ needs to make appropriate recommendations.
• Uses standard office equipment, including a computer, in the course of the work.
• Drives a personal or County motor vehicle to attend meetings and make site visits.
• May be required to testify in court regarding actions, observations and information obtained as it relates to mitigation.

Mobility to work in a typical office setting, use standard office equipment, and to drive a motor vehicle to attend meetings or site visits; vision to read printed materials and electronic screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Must be available for travel within and outside the State of Nevada.