Kent County is excited to announce a new Office of the Public Defender. This new County department will expand and enhance the criminal defense system presently offered to indigent defendants in Kent County.
Kent County is actively seeking a dedicated and professional individual to join our team as a Mitigation Supervisor. In this role, you will provide essential support to attorneys advocating on behalf of indigent defendants, striving for reduced sentences or alternatives to incarceration. The successful candidate will supervise the mitigation specialist team and may also assist in connecting clients with vital social services such as housing, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and employment opportunities.
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to dignified representation of indigent defendants, ensuring they receive comprehensive support and advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Supervise staff, including selection and hiring, training, scheduling and provision of work assignments, performance management, and administration of policy and procedure.
Collaborate with the Training Director to establish and implement initial and ongoing social worker training.
Track and monitor social workers’ credentials, work progress, and activities, ensuring completion of required training.
Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients to determine individual needs, goals and circumstances.
Identify and conduct interviews with family members, employers, and other support system members to aid in the client’s success.
Develop individualized alternative sentencing plans in consultation with attorneys and clients, advocating for community-based sentences and alternative community treatment as appropriate.
Make appropriate referrals to address clients’ social services needs such as substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment and housing.
Attend training required either by the Employer or NASW standards.
Other required knowledge and skills
Thorough working knowledge of management/supervision, leadership best practices and human relations.
Thorough working knowledge of professional social work principles, methodology, and ethics.
Thorough working knowledge of social welfare policy, including health and social issues impacting clients and community well-being.
Crisis intervention and client advocacy skills.
Knowledge of resources available in the community to assist clients.
Willingness and ability to work within a team approach to all aspects of indigent defense.
If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of indigent defendants and are committed to providing them with the support and advocacy they deserve, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.