Mitigation Specialist - Homicide Defense Task Force; HDTF - Brooklyn, NY

Mitigation Specialist - Homicide Defense Task Force (HDTF)

Job : #26-20

Location:

Brooklyn - Criminal Defense Practice Office

Deadline: 3:00 PM EST for Date Listed – Mar 16, 2026

The Legal Aid Society has immediate openings for a Mitigation Specialist with the Homicide Defense Task Force Unit in the Brooklyn office to provide client services to individuals and their families who are charged with homicide offenses in Supreme Court.

While working closely as a member of an interdisciplinary Homicide Defense Task Force whose members include criminal defense attorneys, paralegals, and investigators, the Mitigation Specialist is responsible for providing case management (assessment, treatment planning, referral) and in‑court advocacy; establishing and participating in collaborative alliances with various institutional, judicial and governmental entities; providing crisis and supportive counseling services to clients and their family members throughout the entirety of the court case.

• Conduct an extensive biopsychosocial assessment of the client utilizing validated instruments when appropriate (BJMHS, TCU II drug screen, and MH Screening Form III).
• Review all records including, but not limited to, medical, educational, psychiatric, and employment.
• Conduct extensive interviews of all collateral contacts to inform the assessment and the legal strategy of the court case and the development of a treatment plan for the client.
• Provide support during witness/expert interviews; provide weekly or regular supportive counseling to client and family members; advocate in court and facilitate program linkage; support defense team members.
• Offer supportive counseling to client and family around decision‑making as it relates to the court proceedings.
• Coordinate with staff from LAS Prisoner’s Rights Project as needed.
• In collaboration with defense team members, identify the need for, and coordinate the utilization of, experts.
• Assess and coordinate other needs on behalf of the client such as access to benefits (SSI, Medicaid) and any other concern related to client’s well‑being during the duration of the case.
• Provide pre‑entry services to clients who may enter state correctional facilities, including counseling, planning for family needs (childcare, benefits) and coordination of support with state Department of Corrections staff to ensure a smooth transition.
• Participate in and provide support for data collection, periodic pilot projects and new initiatives.
• Conduct in‑person visits to clients in the community and at jails, detention centers or hospitals.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A master’s degree in social work and proof of New York State Social Work License (LMSW or LCSW) must be provided before final decision of employment.
• Strong diagnostic skills and clinical experience working with the following client populations: MICA, physical illnesses and physical disabilities, mental illness, intellectual and developmental delays, and clients with histories of substance abuse.
• Experience and/or postgraduate training in family systems theory and/or trauma treatment.
• Ability to interface with judges, district attorneys and correctional personnel.
• Experience working in an interdisciplinary team model.
• Excellent writing skills with a strong emphasis in persuasive writing.
• Flexibility in schedule to accommodate work with family members.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills.

The posting reflects the range of potential salaries for the role. The specific salary offers will be dependent on candidate qualifications, including collectively bargained salary steps for unionized roles.

Salary Range: $81,195 – $120,690

The leadership of The Legal Aid Society believes in attracting and retaining exceptional talent committed to serving our clients. We offer a generous benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation, disability, and life insurance, and more. Salaries for our unionized jobs are governed by our Collective Bargaining Agreement. Please visit our Careers page for additional information. Salary and benefits information…