Mitigation Specialist

Description

Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation.

At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.

We are currently seeking a Mitigation Specialist to join our Court Advocacy Services team. The Mitigation Specialist will conduct a detailed investigation and biopsychosocial assessment of the client’s life to identify information that will assist the defense counsel in the pre-plea or pre-sentence phase of open criminal matters. The Mitigation Specialist will advocate before the Court, the District Attorney’s Office (DAO), and the Department of Probation (DOP) for incarceration and detention/bail reduction alternatives.

This position has a hybrid work schedule. The Mitigation Specialist is expected to meet with clients, attend court appearances in person, and move flexibly between in-person and remote work as policies and needs shift.

This is a full-time role.

The Mitigation Specialist with an LMSW who is interested in pursuing clinical social work licensure will receive clinical supervision from an LCSW.

This position requires clearance by the Westchester County Department of Correction (WCDOC). Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction (DOC) clearance to work at Westchester County Jail and/or other applicable facilities operated by the Westchester County Department of Correction.

Salary Range: $70,000 annually

Requirements

Essential Duties

• Support defense counsel by conducting a psychosocial assessment of the client
• Works with the client to develop a client-specific service plan
• Advocate orally and in writing to the Court, DAO, DOP, and other entities
• Interacts positively with members of the defense bar and other members of the criminal legal community to actively participate in the program’s outreach efforts to solicit new cases
• Orient clients to the program, describe program objectives, and provide ongoing support to clients and their family members
• Implement/execute referrals to treatment providers as developed in the client’s service plan
• Maintain contacts with outside agencies to refer or obtain additional client services
• Actively supports and observes clients in program participation, documents progress, and provides ongoing feedback to maintain client self-awareness
• Make reports regarding client performance as requested to the Court and other supervising agencies, advocating as necessary
• Promote a positive image of the organization by communicating Osborne’s mission and programs to various sources
• Maintain rapport with clients and preserve client confidentiality
• In-person attendance is required to collaborate with co-workers
• Document client’s progress and development of cases in ECM and Google files
• Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed by car and mass transit to attend court appearances throughout Westchester County.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Forensic Psychology, or a similar field
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in a criminal justice environment
• Experience conducting investigations and writing court reports such as Pre-Plea and Pre-Sentence Memorandums
• Experience working with clients with mental illness, intellectual and other developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders
• Experience advocating before the Court and familiarity with Court entities
• Experience managing a caseload of clients with varying needs and case-related deadlines, ensuring timely action and intervention

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate large amounts of data while s