THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER is accepting applications for a mitigation specialist to be stationed in Tucson. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel. The organization has staffed offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.
THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER is accepting applications for a mitigation specialist to be stationed in Tucson. The federal defender organization operates under authority of the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3006A, to provide defense services in federal criminal cases and related matters by appointment from the court to individuals unable to afford counsel. The organization has staffed offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff.
This job uses the Judiciary Salary Plan (JSP) pay scale. JSP-11, Step 1 to JSP-14, Step 1.
The mitigation specialist will assist attorneys across the district in investigating, analyzing, developing, and presenting mitigation evidence in the life history of clients. They will gather and summarize social history records, conduct interviews with lay and professional people with relevant knowledge about the client's early childhood development, education, and employment, as well as their medical and mental health histories. Other duties include consulting with experts; developing/maintaining relationships with clients, their family members, local social service providers, and pretrial service officers; and any other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will have a commitment to providing quality representation to indigent defendants and have a reputation for integrity. They will have a working knowledge of immigration, the criminal justice and correctional systems, mental health and other social services, and psychology and psychological testing. Excellent interviewing and writing skills are essential for the position, as is the ability to locate, obtain, review, analyze, and summarize relevant records. Successful applicants will be able to prioritize projects and work both independently and cooperatively with attorneys, investigators, and office staff.
To qualify for this position, a bachelor's degree in social science or services and three years of specialized experience in social science or research, with at least two years of mitigation experience is required. A master's degree in social science or services is strongly preferred. Qualifying experience should involve performing the following types of duties: conducting ongoing, exhaustive, and independent investigations of every aspect of the client's character, life history, record, and any circumstances of the offense, or other factors, which may provide a basis for a lesser sentence; and maintaining complete and accurate files, including records that may assist successor counsel.
A bachelor's degree in social science or services and three years of specialized experience in social science or research, with at least two years of mitigation experience is required. A master's degree in social science or services is strongly preferred.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The successful candidate will have a commitment to providing quality representation to indigent defendants and have a reputation for integrity. They will have a working knowledge of immigration, the criminal justice and correctional systems, mental health and other social services, and psychology and psychological testing. Excellent interviewing and writing skills are essential for the position, as is the ability to locate, obtain, review, analyze, and summarize relevant records. Successful applicants will be able to prioritize projects and work both independently and cooperatively with attorneys, investigators, and office staff.
A satisfactory background investigation is required.
A letter of interest, resume, and representative writing sample. References will be required from candidates selected for an interview.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Qualified persons may apply by sending via e-mail a letter of interest, resume, and representative writing sample. References will be required from candidates selected for an interview. Applicable experience should be described in detail. Send completed application to the Personnel Administrator, Federal Public Defender, District of Arizona, at azx_hr@fd.org. Announced June 11, 2024; Closes: Open until filled.
We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications seem to best meet our needs. We will carefully consider your application and will contact you if you are selected to continue in the recruitment process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
