Project Director, Mitigation

Position Summary: The Project Director is responsible for the coordination and provision of mitigation services to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients facing criminal charges, supervising mitigation specialist staff and interns, and maintaining the integrity and overseeing development of the program. The Project Director also maintains a mitigation caseload, working closely with individuals charged with criminal offenses and their defense attorneys to (1) tell the client’s story via a mitigation report to assist the attorney in negotiating release, an appropriate plea, and/or sentence; and (2) develop a client specific release/reentry plan making referrals to appropriate social services and supports. The report requires a psychosocial history investigation, family interviews, records requests, and sociological academic research.

Direct Supervisor: Unit Director, Upstate Mitigation

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement procedures to achieve all goals and objectives associated with the mitigation project and any contract goals associated with the project, including outreach as required to receive referrals.
• Supervise and train project staff, consultants, and interns including reviewing and maintaining quality of staff’s mitigation reports.
• Maintain client records, data collection, and grant reporting to funders.
• Assist in program development, including grant applications and identification of additional funding sources for the West-Central region.
• Maintain relationships with local attorneys, courts, corrections staff, and service providers.
• Interview clients; collect and review additional information from a variety of sources including family members, employers, educators and other collateral sources; obtain relevant records. Make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Draft mitigation reports that powerfully tell a client’s life history supported by interviews and records, and that provide release plans and sentencing recommendations supported by sociological research and community resources.
• Provide crisis intervention, including quick assessment and identification of appropriate help and linkages to services where necessary.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to and experience with working with adults and youth from diverse backgrounds who are involved with the criminal justice system.
• Master's in social work, psychology, criminology or related fields required.
• Superior, legal standard written/oral communication, project management (including grant management) and supervisory skills.
• Extensive knowledge of defense-based criminal justice advocacy and person-centered approaches including ability to identify appropriate service referrals.
• Computer literacy required. Bilingual (English/Spanish) an advantage.
• Valid NYS Driver License, access to vehicle.
• Ability to gain clearance to correctional facilities.

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.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.