State of Idaho Opportunity
Mitigation Specialist - State Public Defender's Office
Full-time (40 hours) - $90,000 annually D.O.E.
The Idaho State Public Defender (SPD) is a newly created state agency which provides trial representation to indigent criminal defendants pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 19-6005, 19-6009 (effective 10/1/24). The SPD is responsible for all indigent defense cases throughout the State of Idaho, including both juveniles and adults.
The SPD values its employees and offers meaningful work that has a direct impact on citizens across the state. Additionally, the SPD is a qualifying employer for the purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Please note your location preference(s) in your cover letter-Boise, Idaho; Northern Idaho; and Eastern Idaho
POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary purpose of this position is to provide mitigation investigation support to institutional and contract defending attorneys and to assist in the presentation of both guilt/innocence and penalty-phase issues at all stages of both capital and non-capital cases. The mitigation specialist works as part of the defense team to help meet the Office of the State Public Defender's core goal-providing zealous holistic representation.
The Mitigation Specialist is a specialized investigator with training and experience in the forensic application of social science theory, with an emphasis in the mental health disciplines. The Mitigation Specialist must have great empathy for others and an uncommon ability to talk with people from a wide variety of backgrounds about very sensitive and traumatic subjects. The Mitigation Specialist is charged with identifying, cultivating, analyzing, and incorporating relevant mitigating evidence into the theory of the case.
This is a non-classified position that reports to the Managing Attorney or their designee.
Example of Duties
Building and maintaining positive and productive relationships with clients, clients' families and other case participants;
Assisting attorneys in investigating and developing clients' life history evidence;
Recognizing, gathering, and evaluating information which may indicate physical, mental, emotional, educational, or other problems which require further investigation or testing by a specialist;
Collecting, reviewing, analyzing, and organizing voluminous case files and records;
Identifying and initiating new areas of investigation;
Gathering and assessing documentary and other evidence;
Locating and interviewing witnesses;
Drafting memoranda, declarations, chronologies, and social history reports;
Effectively expressing verbal and written thoughts and opinions and demonstrated ability to clearly articulate issues and analysis in the form of written documents;
Planning, organizing, and effectively presenting mitigation themes, ideas and concepts to others;
Working with experts;
Supporting defending attorneys in the preparation of litigation and presentation of evidence in court proceedings by preparing witness affidavits; assisting in the identification, selection, preparation, and presentation of lay and expert witnesses; formulating detailed reports; and researching and writing on issues relating to mitigation;
Serving subpoenas;
Working evenings and weekends, as investigations require including extensive overnight travel and work outside of business hours;
Utilizing the Internet, personal computer technology including Microsoft Word, Excel, Lexis-Nexis and other computer software and online databases;
Entering and reviewing data in the Case Management System (CMS) according to CMS guidelines;
Tracking own time in the CMS;
Maintaining confidentiality of client information and adhering to ethical standards;
Attend case planning and strategy meetings;
Working both inside and outside the office; and
Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Five years of social work or social history investigation experience; and
Possession of a valid driver's license and access to a motor vehicle to perform essential job-related functions.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or closely related field; or
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master of Social Work Degree;
Experience in mitigation or criminal defense investigation; and
Prior experience with at-risk populations and a demonstrated ability to relate effectively to a diverse clientele and staff.
BENEFITS
Best Retirement Available in The Nation
The State of Idaho has one of the nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit once vested. This position is PERSI retirement eligible, and the duties correspond to General Member - which means a mandatory employee contribution of 7.18%, while the employer contributes at a higher rate of 11.96%.
Other Excellent Benefits
Excellent low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance-employee coverage for PPO is $70.74/month for medical and vision and $12.08/month for dental (full-time).
Generous vacation and sick leave accrual will begin as soon as you start.
Paid parental leave.
Eleven paid holidays per year.
Multiple retirement savings plans, including optional 401K and deferred compensation plans.
Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Wellness Programs.
LOCATION
Please note your location preference(s) in your cover letter-Boise, Idaho; Northern Idaho; and Eastern Idaho
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants who would like to apply for this position must submit the following: 1) cover letter , 2) resume , and 3) two references . Application materials should be submitted through the Careers with the State of Idaho website, https://statecareers.idaho.gov/, and not directly to the agency.
For assistance on your application, please contact Mariette Barcinas at Mariette.Barcinas@spd.idaho.gov.
EEO/ADA/VETERAN The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations. *Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.
