Kalamazoo Defender is an independent non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the adult indigent population charged with a crime within Kalamazoo County. We take a holistic approach, employing compassionate professionals who work with our clients to identify and address additional needs beyond their legal case. In collaboration with our robust network of area service providers, we aim to connect our clients to relevant support services.
We fight for justice in the courts, care in the community, and dignity in the world. Our mission is rooted in the conviction that poverty and various forms of discrimination put our clients on inequitable footing within and beyond our criminal justice system. Our job is to be their zealous defender in the face of these systemic barriers, fighting for them in court, organizing care for them in our community, and advocating for their inherent dignity in the broader world.
THE JOB:
The Mitigation Specialist supports Kalamazoo Defender’s holistic defense model by working with both attorney and non-attorney staff to analyze, develop, and present mitigation evidence on behalf of clients. The ideal candidate for this role will hold a master’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or another related field and have experience in mitigation work. They will be self-motivated and open-minded, with a strong awareness of the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals. The successful candidate will seek out and critically analyze information and succinctly present findings to strengthen our defense efforts.
Responsibilities include gathering and summarizing social history records by conducting interviews, building and maintaining relationships with relevant parties, and identifying and consulting with subject matter experts. The Mitigation Specialist will compile and analyze this data from multiple clients in order to identify themes and develop strategies for sentence mitigation. In addition, to preparing mitigation reports, the Mitigation Specialist will need to be prepared to testify in court proceedings. This position will report directly to the Chief Client Navigator.
This role directly supports our mission to deliver compassionate, holistic defense, ensuring that our clients are seen as more than their legal case.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, family members, and service providers;
• Assist in investigating, analyzing, developing, summarizing, and presenting mitigation evidence in the life history of clients;
• Conduct interviews with family, friends, community members, and other individuals to compile mitigating evidence;
• Identify and consult with appropriate experts to obtain reports and prepare for hearings;
• Obtain, analyze, and summarize client medical, mental health, social, and school records;
• Prepare comprehensive reports such as client and witness interview memos, social history reports, visual aids, and sentencing memoranda;
• Contribute to research, data collection, and analysis to support mitigation strategies;
• Provide testimony in court when necessary;
• Collaborate with attorneys and other defense team members to develop cohesive mitigation strategies;
• Perform any other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall effectiveness and success of the defense team.
BENEFITS:
• Health care coverage including medical, dental, and vision, with employee premiums covered at 100%.
• Retirement program offering both 403B and Roth options with employer match of 1.5 times employee contributions up to 5%.
• Five weeks of paid time off (pro-rated for start date), paid holiday closures, and additional paid parental leave program.
• Robust employee assistance program that includes services for all household members.
• Optional Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• An opportunity to work alongside passionate, mission-driven individuals in a dynamic and innovative holistic legal program, backed by a county capable of maximizing Kalamazoo Defender’s impact.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and references to Jobs@KalamazooDefender.org or the following address:
Kalamazoo Defender
Attn: Human Resources
151 South Rose Street, Suite 300
Kalamazoo, MI 49007