Client Services Specialist (Public Defender) - Shelby County, TN : Job Details

Position Summary

Provides support to trial attorneys in areas of pre-trial release, negotiation and sentencing mitigation, alternative sentencing proposals, and other areas of client need.

Pay Grade: 47

Salary Commensurate with Experience and Education

Minimum Qualifications

1. Two (2) years' experience performing social services agency fieldwork and investigation, working in mental health services programs, or working in the criminal justice system with experience in providing investigative or social and related services for indigent clients; AND

2. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or counseling; OR

3. An equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.

4. One year of experience doing actual fieldwork is preferred.

5. PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Works with individual attorneys or teams to review cases for pre-trial release plans and prepares reports in support of the application.

2. Investigates the defendant's personal and family background and develop detailed social histories for use by the attorney during representation.

3. Interviews the defendant to prepare a timeline and develop potential mitigation witnesses.

4. Obtains, organizes, and summarizes client records such as medical, mental health, military, educational, employment, and social services for review by an attorney.

5. Maintains accurate and detailed records of all reports and background materials collected during the investigation, including documentation of original requests, receipts, and any distribution of the same outside the Public Defender Office.

6. Provides court testimony when required.

7. Serves subpoenas, assists, and manages witnesses for court appearances.

8. Develops relationships with and knowledge of community-based resources available to clients.

9. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

KSA's

1. Excellently skilled in written communication in order to present findings in clear, logical, and properly documented reports.

2. Extensive knowledge of the protocols for interviewing family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, and other witnesses to tell the client's life story.

3. Ability to evaluate the reliability and credibility of witnesses.

4. Excellently skilled in interpersonal and communication including the ability to establish a rapport with the defendant's family members and support group, among diverse populations.

5. Ability to demonstrate commitment to the core values and goals of the Public Defender's Office with a particular focus on achieving fair treatment within the criminal justice system for all our clients regardless of economic status.

6. Knowledge of psychological, behavioral, and neurological diseases and disorders as outlined in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

7. Ability to analyze and evaluate all the defendant's available records to develop release strategies and make effective contributions within the team approach to representation.

8. Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and understanding that the attorney leads the team and will make all final decisions on the handling of the client's case.

9. Ability to display creative energy and a commitment to excellence in providing defender services.

Special Requirements

* Some evening and weekend work is required as well as some travel outside the city or state if needed.

Disclaimer

This position is subject to a background check for any convictions that have a substantial relationship to potential job duties. Only convictions that are substantially related to potential job duties will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.