Holistic Defense Mitigation Specialist

Under general direction, the Public Defender Holistic Defense Mitigation Specialist provides specialized social work, mitigation investigation, advocacy, and case management services as part of an interdisciplinary defense team within the Mono County Public Defender’s Office. This position supports indigent clients involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems by identifying and addressing behavioral health, social, medical, educational, and environmental factors contributing to justice system involvement.

The Mitigation Specialist conducts comprehensive assessments and mitigation investigations, prepares reports and recommendations, coordinates community-based services, and collaborates closely with attorneys to support defense strategies and positive client outcomes. Responsibilities include client advocacy, reentry and diversion planning, court support, and resource coordination for individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, and other complex challenges. This position plays a critical role in promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and connecting clients to services that support long-term stability and successful community reintegration.

To see the full job description, click here.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Public Defender Holistic Defense Mitigation Specialist position is a compassionate, client-centered professional who is passionate about advancing justice through advocacy, social work, and collaborative defense. This individual brings experience working with justice-involved populations and understands the complex intersection of mental health, substance use, trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers that contribute to involvement in the criminal legal system. The successful candidate is skilled at building trust with clients and families from diverse backgrounds, conducting thorough psychosocial assessments and mitigation investigations, and connecting individuals to meaningful community-based supports and services.

The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and can work effectively alongside attorneys, investigators, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to support positive legal and life outcomes for clients. They possess strong communication, research, and report-writing skills, maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations, and demonstrate sound judgment when working in courts, custody settings, and the community. Candidates who are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, bilingual, and committed to holistic public defense and reducing recidivism are strongly encouraged to apply.

Department Summary
 The Mono County Public Defender’s Office is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who cannot afford legal representation while advancing a client-centered approach to public defense. Through a holistic defense model, the department recognizes that legal challenges are often connected to broader social, behavioral health, and economic factors. The office works collaboratively to support clients not only in the courtroom, but also in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to justice system involvement.

The Public Defender’s Office brings together attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, and community partners to provide comprehensive advocacy and meaningful support to adults and youth navigating the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The department values integrity, compassion, collaboration, and equitable access to justice, while fostering partnerships with behavioral health providers, treatment programs, social services, and community organizations throughout Mono County.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related field.
• Possession of a valid license issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Clinical Psychologist license. 

Experience:

• Two (2) years of professional social work experience is desirable, preferably in one or more of the following areas:
  1. Criminal justice or forensic social work
  2. Behavioral health or substance use treatment
  3. Community-based social services
  4. Mitigation investigation or legal advocacy
  5. Work with justice-involved populations

• Retirement: CalPERS retirement and 457/401(a) Plans available.
• Medical: CalPERS health plans
• Dental & Vision
• Generous vacation and sick pay
• Discounted gym membership

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Salary : $100,677 - $122,374