Lubbock County
Job Description

Job Title: Mitigation Specialist Grade: PR-02 FLSA: Exempt

Date: 7/07 Reports To: Chief Public Defender

SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Chief Public Defender, works with attorneys and other specialists in an effort, as part of a team, to mitigate and therefore minimize the assessment of punishment in capital cases. The purpose of the mitigation specialist is to prevent, in the event of a conviction, the client from receiving the death penalty.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Obtains and evaluates family histories, jail records, work records, medical records, and educational records.
• Prepares correspondence, social histories, and reports and submits social histories to psychologists and attorneys.
• Reviews police reports.
• Conducts witness interviews and field investigations regarding competency, alcohol/drug dependence, legal sanity and prepares reliable social histories and themes regarding mitigation based on the client's psycho-social development, future dangerousness, and other capital sentencing factors.
• Prepares written reports/memoranda for all clients and submits to trial attorneys.
• Provides court testimony on behalf of clients, when needed.
• Maintains well-documented and dated files for all clients
• Assists attorneys in preparation of theories and mitigation.
• Performs other job-related duties, within reason and capabilities, as directed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree with three years defense experience including collaborating effectively in a team, or be a Masters level Social Worker with Licensed Clinical Social Work licensure with two years mitigation experience. Previous capital mitigation experience preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Valid Texas driver's license, reliable transportation and an ability and willingness to travel extensively.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the techniques, principles and methods used in criminal investigations; knowledge of Texas criminal justice system, laws, and procedures, particularly as that applies to capital cases; knowledge of social services and government relations as they relate to indigent defense administration. Ability to keep accurate notes and records; ability to prepare and present clear, concise and comprehensive reports; ability to read and understand legal codes, cases and technical material in such disciplines as medicine, physical and social sciences; ability to obtain information through interview and interrogation; ability to assess the credibility of witnesses; ability to gather and analyze facts and evidence and draw valid conclusions; ability to adjust to workload changes and work under stress to meet deadlines; ability to organize and prioritize workload to manage cases efficiently; ability to testify in court in a direct, clear and concise manner; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, representatives of other agencies, clients, family member of clients, the public and co-workers.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Physical requirements include lifting/carrying 25 lbs. occasionally; visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting, standing, walking, reaching and handling to perform the essential functions.
 

To apply, please fill out an application at https://apps.co.lubbock.tx.us/application/joblist.asp