The Public Defender for the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida seeks a mitigation specialist for a fast-paced, client-centered office.The Public Defender is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide legal representation to persons in jeopardy of losing their life or liberty who cannot afford to hire a private attorney. Our office employs nearly 230 lawyers plus investigators, mitigation specialists, secretaries, and paralegals to assist with the more than 70,000 cases we handle each year. We recruit locally and nationally with just one goal in mind: Putting together a diverse team of outstanding men and women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds who are able to provide high quality representation to our clients.Position TypeFull-timeSalary and Benefits
- Salary is $53,000 - $57,000, depending on qualifications, educational background, and experience
- Health insurance
- Annual leave - 15 days per year
- Sick leave - 12 days per year
- Paid holidays - 13 days per year
- $25,000 life insurance policy - paid by the State of Florida
- Optional employee-paid supplement insurance plans available (additional life insurance, vision, dental, cancer, hospitalization, and disability)
- State retirement benefits - vesting after 8 years in pension plan or after 1 year for the investment plan
- Deferred compensation - option of saving a portion of monthly salary in a tax-sheltered account
- Free tuition for college courses on a space-available basisJob Description OverviewThe mitigation specialist assists our attorneys in juvenile (delinquency) and criminal cases. The work may include conducting biopsychosocial interviews with juveniles and adults, identifying issues related to intellect, mental health, substance abuse, and trauma, referring clients to experts, obtaining records, drafting persuasive alternative sentencing and treatment plans, and identifying appropriate educational, substance abuse, and mental health placements. Applicants must be willing to work with clients in jails and in juvenile detention facilities.Requirements/Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mental health/counseling discipline plus experience in Social Work/Mental Health/Social Service fieldwork preferred.
- Experience with Capital case mitigation a plus.
- Excellent verbal, computer, and communication skills required.
- Familiarity with the school system, special needs population, and with accessing community programs and social service-related providers preferred.
- Bilingual skills: English/Spanish and/or English/Creole preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely.
- Must be able to prepare clear, accurate, and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and/or recommendations.
- Clean driving record, valid Florida Driver's License, and proof of automobile insurance.
- Reliable vehicle, as travel is required.Your submitted application will be reviewed to determine compliance with application requirements, level of position-relevant work experience, education, and training.After that review, you may be required to participate in a selection interview.The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace. Applicants will be considered irrespective of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or political affiliation.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or the People First Service Center (1-877-###-####). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.Veterans are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr