Mitigation Advocate, Criminal Defense – Queens

Brooklyn Defender Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 73,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Generous leave policies

Job summary

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Mitigation Associate to join the Social Work Department in our Adult Criminal Defense Practice in Queens. This non-exempt, salaried role is based in Forest Hills and Queens courthouses, with a base salary range of $73,000–$78,000 and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 403(b) plan.

The schedule is Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, and BDS values diversity and equity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, journalism or another related field.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Excellent and empathetic communicator.
• Ability to utilize case management systems to track information and data.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in a second language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Interview clients in person and/or virtually in the community, in court, on Rikers Island and in other detention facilities as needed.
• Request medical records on behalf of clients, including psychiatric, school, and hospital records.
• Conduct in-depth collateral interviews with family members.
• Write thorough and persuasive mitigation reports incorporating feedback and edits from attorneys, social work supervisors, et al.
• Attend client’s court dates when necessary.
• Collaborate with attorneys and the assigned social worker to develop mitigation themes and narratives.
• Attend writing workshops and trainings to hone writing and interview skills.
• Meet writing deadlines set by the attorney and the social work supervisors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Empathetic communicator

Case management systems

Attention to detail

Second language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, journalism or related field

Job description

Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS) is seeking a Mitigation Associate to join the Social Work Department in our Adult Criminal Defense Practice in Queens. This non-exempt, salaried role is based in Forest Hills and Queens courthouses, with a base salary range of $73,000–$78,000 and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 403(b) plan.

The schedule is Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, and BDS values diversity and equity.