Mitigation Report Writer/Editor

The 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 Writer/Editor for your CAS Department. The CAS Writer/Editor will play a critical role in supporting the quality, accuracy, and effectiveness of work products created by Court Advocacy Services (CAS) staff, particularly Mitigation Specialists. The individual in this role will focus on enhancing the storytelling aspect of CAS materials, ensuring they are compelling, persuasive, and clearly convey the client's narrative to judges, prosecutors, and other audiences. The Writer/Editor will work collaboratively with CAS team members to elevate their writing skills while preserving their unique voice and maintaining the professionalism and integrity of all CAS work products.

This role is part-time averaging 21 hours per week and is essential to ensuring the success of CAS's mission by presenting clients' narratives in the most compelling and impactful way possible while also fostering the professional growth of team members.

 Salary:$38.00/hr

 Essential Duties:

• Enhance storytelling elements in CAS Work Products to ensure materials are plausible, meaningful, and persuasive.
• Ensure that text flows logically, presents sound arguments, and clearly expresses ideas while preserving the writer's voice.
• Tailor tone and purpose to suit the intended audience, keeping the text concise and free of unnecessary repetition or unnatural phrasing.
• Identify and adjust colloquialisms, slang, jargon, clichés, and bland language to maintain professionalism and clarity.
• Ensure spelling, punctuation, grammar, and syntax are accurate and consistent.
• Verify the accuracy of dates, timelines, and numerical details for plausibility and coherence.
• Ensure the narrative's timeline is logical and aligns with the client's story.
• Provide constructive feedback to writers, prompting them to expand on or add critical details to underdeveloped aspects of the story.
• Offer one-on-one coaching to writers, focusing on enhancing their ability to write clearly, accurately, and persuasively.
• Discuss work products with writers to identify strengths, deficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Edit various CAS documents, correspondence, and proposals as requested.
• Draft reports from material gathered by court staff.
• Conduct virtual interviews with clients and individuals relevant to the client's life, history, and case, as needed.
• Ensure all client-related documents maintain a high standard of quality and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, social work, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of professional writing, editing, or similar experience, preferably in a legal, advocacy, or social services context.
• Strong understanding of storytelling techniques, with an ability to adapt tone and style to suit different audiences.
• Demonstrated proficiency in editing for clarity, accuracy, grammar, and syntax.
• Experience providing feedback and guidance to writers, with an emphasis on skill development.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, social services, or advocacy work is strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and supportive approach.

Key Competencies:

• Exceptional ability to craft and refine written materials that are clear, persuasive, and audience-appropriate.
• A keen eye for identifying inconsistencies, errors, and areas for improvement in written work.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, coach writers, and engage in meaningful discussions about their work.
• Capability to manage multiple editing tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical mindset to assess and enhance the quality and coherence of CAS materials.
• Understanding and respect for the lived experiences of clients and the challenges they face.
• This role is essential to ensuring the success of CAS's mission by presenting clients' narratives in the most compelling and impactful way possible while also fostering the professional growth of team members.

Benefits of Working for the Osborne Association

Participation in 403(b) and New York State Paid Sick Leave Pay for part-time employment. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans. Opportunity for job advancement and promotions.

The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Be sure to include a cover letter with your application. No phone calls please. We wish we could personally respond to each application. However, we are unable to do so due to the volume of interest received.