Mitigation Specialist, Second

Description

The Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation.

At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.

The Mitigation Specialist will conduct a detailed investigation and biopsychosocial assessment of the client’s life to identify information that will assist the defense counsel in the pre-plea or pre-sentence phase of open criminal matters. The Mitigation Specialist will advocate before the Court, the District Attorney’s Office (DAO), and the Department of Probation (DOP) for incarceration and detention/bail reduction alternatives.

This position has a hybrid work schedule. The Mitigation Specialist is expected to meet with clients, attend court appearances in person, and move flexibly between in-person and remote work as policies and needs shift.

The Mitigation Specialist with an LMSW who is interested in pursuing clinical social work licensure will receive clinical supervision from an LCSW.

This position requires clearance by the New York City Department of Correction. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction (DOC) clearance to work on Rikers Island and/or other applicable facilities operated by the Department of Correction.

Salary: $70,000-$72,000 annually

• Conduct client intakes and assessments with clients in detention at Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island via video conference, which requires the Mitigation Specialist to be skilled in establishing rapport under challenging circumstances
• Conduct screening of interested individuals to obtain their particular information to aid in soliciting cases. Locate and verify information such as court records, charges, rap sheet, attorney assignment, and court dates
• Support defense counsel by conducting a psychosocial assessment of the client
• Develop treatment and/or service plans, make all necessary referrals connected to that plan, and work with the clients to set and reach goals
• Advocate orally and in writing to the Court, DAO, DOP, and other entities
• Provide attorneys with a comprehensive client history through investigating the client’s background and conducting interviews with the client, family members, and other pertinent sources. Obtain various records and specialist reports/evaluations as indicated. Analyze such material to produce mitigation to support recommendations for release and pre-pleading advocacy
• Interact positively with members of the defense bar and other members of the criminal legal community to actively participate in the program’s outreach efforts to solicit new cases
• Orient clients to the program, describe program objectives, and provide ongoing support to clients and their family members
• Implement/execute referrals to treatment providers as developed in the client’s service plan
• Facilitate releases from court and transportation to programming when needed
• Maintain contacts with outside agencies to refer or obtain additional client services
• Actively support and observe clients in program participation, document progress, and provide ongoing feedback to maintain client self-awareness
• Make reports regarding client performance as requested to the Court and other supervising agencies, advocating…