Impactful Mitigation Specialist for Court and Sentencing

School of Social Work, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois is seeking a Mitigation Specialist to support assigned defense teams in federal cases. You will develop and analyze mitigation evidence for pretrial release, trial, and sentencing, coordinating with clients, families, and service providers.

Responsibilities include interviews, records gathering from multiple sources, exploring expert evaluations, and assisting in courtroom presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MSW or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years specialized experience with exhaustive investigations and life-history gathering.
• Strong interviewing and writing skills are essential.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, social services, psychology is desirable.
• Ability to travel across the Central District of Illinois; valid driver’s license required.
• Spanish-language proficiency is desired but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in investigating, analyzing, developing, and presenting mitigation evidence.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, families, and service providers to support the client and attorney.
• Interview clients and relevant persons in a culturally competent manner.
• Locate and conduct witness interviews for pretrial release and mitigation development.
• Gather, validate, and report client history from multiple sources (records, interviews, etc.).
• Determine experts to evaluate for substance abuse or mental illness when needed.
• Facilitate access to treatment, housing, education, or vocational programs.
• Maintain knowledge of research and trends in substance abuse, mental health, and incarceration effects.
• Assist in court, including preparing sentencing presentations and testifying.

Skills

Interviewing

Written communication

Organization

Communication

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree

MSW/Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Federal Public Defender for the Central District of Illinois is seeking a Mitigation Specialist to support assigned defense teams in federal cases. You will develop and analyze mitigation evidence for pretrial release, trial, and sentencing, coordinating with clients, families, and service providers.

Responsibilities include interviews, records gathering from multiple sources, exploring expert evaluations, and assisting in courtroom presentations.