Mitigation Specialist - Public Defender (Non-Merit)

Job Code: 33045   Salary Grade: 19   Salary: $57,125 - $91,971   FLSA: Exempt

Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to conduct life-history investigations for the Public Defender’s Office and develop mitigation evidence to support attorneys in criminal proceedings, including interviewing clients and witnesses, analyzing records, documenting mitigating circumstances, and preparing investigative and evidentiary materials.

Essential Functions: 
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts comprehensive life-history investigations of clients in jails, offices, homes, and other settings; interviews clients regarding personal, family, educational, employment, medical, mental health, substance use, trauma, abuse, and social histories; identifies circumstances and experiences relevant to mitigation; interviews family members, witnesses, service providers, and other collateral sources; obtains releases and supporting documentation; evaluates and corroborates information from multiple sources; and discusses investigative findings with attorneys.

Investigates and documents trauma, abuse, neglect, domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, mental health history, substance use, developmental disabilities, socioeconomic conditions, family dynamics, and other mitigating circumstances relevant to the client's involvement in the criminal legal system; identifies significant events and patterns within the client's life history; and develops comprehensive social and chronological histories for use in legal proceedings.

Collects, reviews, analyzes, and summarizes medical, mental health, educational, employment, criminal justice, child welfare, social service, military, correctional, and other relevant records; obtains records through releases, subpoenas, and other authorized processes; verifies the accuracy and completeness of records; identifies relevant information and inconsistencies; and develops timelines and summaries to support mitigation investigations and case preparation.

Assists attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office with the development and presentation of mitigation evidence in trial, sentencing, post-conviction, and other legal proceedings; prepares investigative summaries, mitigation reports, chronologies, social histories, and supporting documentation; identifies potential witnesses and sources of corroborating evidence; assists with preparation of witnesses and evidentiary materials; and communicates investigative findings and mitigating factors to attorneys as part of the defense team.

Conducts field investigations; locates and interviews family members, witnesses, service providers, and other individuals with relevant knowledge of the client's history and circumstances; visits residences, schools, treatment facilities, correctional institutions, and other locations as necessary; obtains documentary and physical evidence; and documents investigative activities and findings.

Researches issues relevant to mitigation and legal representation, including trauma, domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, mental health, substance use, adverse childhood experiences, and other social and environmental factors; identifies appropriate subject-matter resources and community providers; and provides attorneys with information necessary to understand the client's background and circumstances.

Collaborates with attorneys, investigators, experts, community providers, and other members of the defense team; participates in case conferences and strategy discussions; accompanies attorneys during client and witness interviews as needed; attends court proceedings and hearings; and assists with the coordination and presentation of mitigation witnesses, experts, records, and other evidence.

Maintains confidential investigative files, client records, reports, interview notes, releases, records requests, and supporting documentation; enters and maintains case information in applicable databases and case management systems; tracks investigative activities and deadlines; maintains confidentiality and attorney-client/work-product protections; and prepares reports regarding workload, case activity, and outcomes.

Maintains knowledge of professional practices and developments related to mitigation investigation, trauma-informed interviewing, criminal defense, and applicable laws and procedures; participates in relevant training and professional development; develops and maintains relationships with community organizations and subject-matter resources; and provides information regarding mitigation practices and services to attorneys, staff, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Counseling, or a closely related field; three years of progressively responsible experience conducting investigations, mitigation investigations, client advocacy, criminal defense support, social history development, trauma-informed interviewing, case management, or closely related work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.