Location: Detroit,MI, USA
Purpose/Description
Wayne County's Indigent Defense Services Department (IDSD) is developing a staff of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in criminal defense representation at the trial court level, and equal access to justice. IDSD launched in August of 2020 with the hiring of its Director. IDSD is state funded through a grant from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC). IDSD's Defender Support Unit (DSU) launched in 2023 and assists managed assigned counsel by providing services aimed at decreasing reliance on incarceration, increasing advocacy for indigent clients, and improving collaboration between criminal justice stakeholders and social service providers.
Reporting to the Lead Advocate, the Defender Support Unit Advocate works collaboratively with managed assigned counsel to achieve improved social and legal outcomes for adults who have been charged with felonies in Wayne County. The Advocate will carry out the goals of the Defender Support Unit by reviewing requests for services, consulting with appointed counsel on cases, and providing direct services to both in- and out-of-custody clients including conducting assessments, developing comprehensive mitigation reports, preparing release plans, and making referrals to available community resources.
* Required Tasks
* Consult and collaborate with attorneys and other team members as part of the defense team.
* Develop mitigating information about represented clients through interviews and record review.
* Prepare comprehensive, persuasive mitigation reports, individualized release plans, status updates, or other reports for plea negotiations and sentencing.
* Build and maintain relationships with a network of community partners.
* Document case details, activities, and other data in the department's case management system.
* Additional duties:
* Complete all work in adherence to the client confidentiality standards as outlined in the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and the NASW Code of Ethics.
* Conduct initial and ongoing consultative calls with attorneys to discuss service requests, determine agreed upon service plans and timelines, and identify ways the DSU can support goals of a case.
* Conduct biopsychosocial assessments within local jails and community settings to determine how to best support the legal and social outcomes for the client and case.
* Utilize evidence-based screening tools to assess for mental and behavioral health conditions commonly found within criminal/legal system populations.
* Prepare persuasive written mitigation reports, based on a thorough review of assessment outcomes, interviews, records, and incorporation of relevant peer-reviewed research, to be used during plea negotiations and/or sentencing to recommend and advocate for reduced sentences and/or alternatives to incarceration.
* Identify and interview family members, friends, members of client's support system, or other collateral witnesses to aid in the development of written mitigation or otherwise support the client.
* Request, review, and analyze records that may aid in the client's defense or in the development of written mitigation.
* Identify resources and coordinate/facilitate referrals to community treatment and other providers.
* Develop release plans in collaboration with clients to advocate for pre-trial release or alternatives to incarceration and to document client progress toward goals.
* Prepare clients and family members for court appearances and provide court debriefings to reinforce next steps and ensure continuity of care with identified services/resources.
* Accompany clients to court and participate in hearings as requested by the defense attorney.
* Monitor case progression and conduct regular check-ins with clients to encourage adherence to agreed upon release plans and provide support.
* Provide brief crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute distress due to unfavorable or unexpected court decisions or due to other major life crises.
* Develop genograms, ecomaps, and other demonstrative exhibits to supplement mitigation reports.
* Thoroughly document all activities on a case by entering data into the Department's case management system and complete all other documentation as required.
* Perform other duties as assigned.
* Educational/ Experience Requirements
* Master's degree in social work or closely related field.
* At least 2 years of experience working with adults impacted by the criminal/legal system or a similar population.
* Preferred Qualifications
* Full or limited clinical social work licensure in the State of Michigan.
* Specialized training as a sentencing advocate or mitigation specialist.
* Bilingual (Spanish or Arabic preferred).