Mitigation Specialist, Homicide Defense Team, Criminal Defense Practice

Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem

Mitigation Specialist, Homicide Defense Team, Criminal Defense Practice

The Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS) is a community-based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing civil, criminal and family representation to residents of Northern Manhattan. NDS seeks to hire an experienced: Mitigation Specialist on the Homicide Defense Team in the Criminal Defense Practice

 THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEFENDER SERVICE OF HARLEM (NDS) is a community based, client-centered, holistic public defense office located in Harlem, providing criminal, civil, and family representation. NDS is accepting applications for the position of Mitigation Specialist on the Homicide Defense Team in the Criminal Defense Practice.

The Homicide Defense Team at NDS represents residents of Northern Manhattan who are charged with homicide and who cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Clients are represented by teams composed of lawyers, advocates, investigators, social workers, paralegals and mitigation specialists.

NDS also provides pre-arrest representation to clients under threat of arrest. NDS adheres to a client centered approach to representation that emphasizes a heightened responsiveness to clients’ needs prior to arrest, while a case is pending, and after the case concludes. NDS is committed to addressing the comprehensive legal and social service needs of clients.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with homicide defense team members to advocate for the best possible legal outcome for clients. This advocacy includes but is not limited to:
• Gathering factual mitigation through interviews, research, and analysis of obtained records;
• Collaborating with retained experts as well as attorneys representing our clients on separate matters (e.g., family court matters, civil suit related matters, etc.);
• Writing pre-pleading and pre-sentence memoranda to judges and prosecutors seeking best possible legal outcomes;
• Provide oral advocacy in meetings with judges and prosecutors.
• Work closely with clients to: Assess clients and make appropriate referrals to address clients social service needs (including but not limited to drug treatment, mental health treatment, housing, and accessing public benefits);
• Assist clients in navigating New York City Department of Corrections, New York City social service agencies, and other city and state systems as well as client entry into DOCCS prison system.
• Work closely with clients’ families and supporters to: Support them during and after court appearances;
• Support them throughout the legal case particularly when clients are making pivotal decisions about their case;
• Assist them in navigating NYC DOC, NYC social service agencies, as well as client’s entry and future release from DOCCS prison system

Qualifications

• Must possess a demonstrated commitment to indigent defense, social justice issues and the communities of Northern Manhattan;
• Must possess strong organizational skills to manage a high caseload and multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, analytical, writing, and communication skills;
• Must have experience working with clients charged with homicides and very experienced attorneys, and the ability to understand the dynamics of these cases;
• Must possess a master’s degree. An MSW degree with New York licensure is preferred;
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Spanish language fluency is preferred.

Compensation

•  Min: $77,000
• Max: $117,933

 The current salary range for this position is $77,000 - $117,933. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided.

SALARY RANGE BASED ON TRANSFERABLE EXPERIENCE

1-5 Years $77,000 – $82, 041

6-10 Years $83,577– $87,472

11 – 15 Years $88,967 – $94,131

16 –30 Years $95,613 -$117,933

 HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should upload a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. For more information about NDS, please visit our website at www.NeighborhoodDefender.org.

The Neighborhood Defender Service is committed to creating a diverse environment that reflects the community we serve. NDS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. NDS encourages people with incarcerated loved ones, formerly incarcerated people, people of color, women, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people to apply. 

The current salary range for this position is $77,000 - $117,933. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the CBA between NDS and the NDS Union, part of ALAA UAW 2325. Compensation is commensurate with experience and is in adherence to the NDS compensation scale. Full medical and dental benefits, as well as other benefits, are provided.