About the Organization

Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) supports and builds power with people across New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration, criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network of direct services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership of directly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all New Yorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need to thrive.

Why Join the Team?

At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, and geography. Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the most desirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize the importance of work-life balance.

The Mitigation Specialist works closely with people charged with criminal offenses and their defense attorneys to independently tell the client’s story via a social history/mitigation report, which their attorney will use to advocate for release, a favorable plea, and/or sentence, often including a client-specific release plan ensuring access to vital social services and supports. The Mitigation Specialist conducts psychosocial history investigations, family interviews, records requests, and sociological academic research, ultimately drafting a comprehensive, evidence based, strategic advocacy report rooted in peer reviewed research. On occasion, the Mitigation Specialist may also provide limited case management as needed by making service referrals and continuing communication with clients and service providers to support rehabilitation and reentry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Hybrid work in Rochester and Westchester office. Fully remote in Southern Teir. All positions with occasional (at minimum once a month) travel to CCA offices required.
• Receive client assignments from Project Director or Unit Director but manages own caseload, and is independently responsible for the case, conclusions drawn, and specific recommendations drawn in the reports. Relies heavily on their own expert knowledge.
• Interview clients (both incarcerated and in the community) to construct in-depth life history as well as identify areas of need, strength, and other relevant factors which have impacted the client.
• Utilize peer reviewed scientific literature to make arguments regarding psychological and physiological history of client as well as future deportment with the aim of eliminating or minimizing incarceration,
• Collect collateral information through interviews of significant people in the client’s life and obtain and review relevant records
• Work independently from, but in partnership with, the defense attorney as a member of the defense team to develop mitigation strategy and identify a lawful disposition and plan for the client’s rehabilitation, reentry, and reintegration to the community.
• Serve as a mental-health/sociological expert on the defense team, with particular expertise in explaining niche findings and diagnosis in a way that makes sense to those without a background in science or social work. Assist other experts (psychologists, neurologists etc.) in presenting their findings in a way that assists the client and convinces judges, jurors and prosecutors towards a rehabilitative sentence.
• On rare occasions may be required to testify as an expert witness in trial or hearings related to client.
• Independently write lengthy mitigation reports that powerfully tell a client’s life history supported by interviews and records, along with release plans and sentencing recommendations supported by sociological research and community resources, rooted in the mitigation specialist’s own judgement and expertise.
• Occasionally assist case management services to develop and facilitate support for clients in the community, such as referrals and linkages to appropriate social services and treatment programs, housing, employment, education, and entitlements
• Maintain client records, case files, and timely and precise program data
• Participate in regular training as well as self-directed learning to stay abreast of developments in psychology, sociology, neurology and childhood and adolescent development.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualification:

• Must have extremely strong persuasive writing skills.
• Commitment to working with adults and youth from diverse cultural backgrounds who are involved with the criminal/juvenile justice system
• Masters in Psychology, Social Work, Forensic Psychology, Restorative Justice or related field required. In limited circumstances a Masters Degree in Journalism, Creative Writing, Narrative Non-Fiction or other related field, AND a minimum of one year working with incarcerated or other high needs populations may substitute. A Juris Doctor alone will not qualify for this position, but in conjunction with the above degrees may be beneficial.
• Knowledge of New York criminal law is a plus but not required.
• Must be willing to make day trips to prisons and jails throughout New York state with occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work independently, arrive at conclusions independently, and quickly make appropriate recommendations without outside assistance. Excellent formal writing, academic research, and advocacy skills, attention to detail, high scientific literacy and ability to quickly become expert on numerous subjects. High empathy and social skills, and computer literacy required
• Valid NYS Driver’s License, access to vehicle, and ability to gain clearance to adult and juvenile correctional facilities required.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with the ability to use it after 90-days of employment.
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

CCA Website: HERE