Mitigation Specialist Capital Supervisor

About the Office of the Public Defender

With over 470 employees, the Office of the Public Defender is the largest of the five indigent defense offices in Maricopa County. We are also one of the largest public defender offices in the country. Our office provides innovative, client-centered legal representation in the full range of criminal matters to clients unable to afford legal counsel. Our attorneys and staff are dedicated to treating our clients with respect and dignity as we defend their constitutional rights in a court of law. This is a fast-paced department with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Proud to Offer

• Work with a greater purpose

• Tuition reimbursement

• Exceptional work-life balance

• Opportunities for growth and development within Maricopa County

• Low-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependents

• Child care benefits including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club, dedicated to serving Maricopa County families exclusively

• Paid vacation, sick time, and parental leave

• Extensive wellness program, including healthcare premium discounts

• Enrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 12% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1

• Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more!  Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZ

We Require

• Five (5) years of behavioral health, trauma, substance abuse, or related casework experience

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related discipline

• Valid Arizona driver's license upon hire

We Also Value

• LCSW or LMSW

• Leadership experience

• 24 hours of training in the area of death penalty defense preparation within the last 18 months

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Job Contributions

• Lead development of the Mitigation Specialist (MS) team while maintaining a reduced caseload, including monitoring and facilitating overall team functioning

• Collaborate on an ongoing basis with Manager, Department Administration, and other capital staff supervisors to prioritize development of individual employees, strengthen team dynamics, and support continuous improvements

• Develop and present internal trainings and updates for direct reports, employees, and stakeholders, and periodically represent the department as a leader during meetings

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in updating department leadership and stakeholders as requested, while liaising with other capital supervisors to ensure effective and efficient teamwork in support of capital representation

• Oversee and evaluate employee performance, audit staff work product for accuracy and completeness, and provide ongoing training, mentoring, and guidance

• Ensure staff are aware of professional behaviors and client boundaries while supporting their development through coaching and supervision

• Analyze department data and compile reports and statistics to support decision-making and track performance

• Monitor capital mitigation development in all cases and provide guidance to Capital Mitigation Specialists and the broader capital team to ensure complete and timely mitigation investigation

• Develop comprehensive mitigation themes and presentations in conjunction with Capital Mitigation Specialists, assist in development of case strategies, and support presentation of mitigation

• Perform case-related functions including conducting interviews; assessing client histories; preparing various reports and correspondence to present written and oral recommendations to attorneys and court; providing testimony if needed; serving as liaison with mental health experts; assisting with jury selection, along with other administrative functions

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with bright lighting and requires prolonged periods in a stationary position, constant viewing of a computer monitor or screen, frequent computer use involving repetitive hand and wrist movements, and routine exposure to outdoor heat and sunlight

• Emergencies, dangerous environment, unscheduled tasks, frequently changing tasks and working in close physical proximity with others may be frequent occurrences.  Traumatic subject matter (crime scenes, accidents, etc.) interruptions, time pressures, high volume of work, handling multiple or complicated tasks, accuracy, decision making, concentration/vigilance, teamwork, and public contact may be constant occurrences

• May be required to lift 15 pounds floor to waist or waist to shoulder.  May be required to carry 15 pounds a distance of 100 feet.  May be required to push/pull 15 pounds a distance of 300 feet

• Travel to and from court locations, government facilities, and other job-related locations as necessary, which may include periodic travel outside of Maricopa County, subject to County policies regarding vehicle use