Description
Social Work student will work in our Seattle Muni Court and learn how to:
Interview clients, assist attorneys in developing defense strategies by providing advice and
recommendations to attorneys; they assess clients and their families, participate in case strategy and planning, and present relevant diagnostic social service needs of clients, particularly as it pertains to establishing the best possible legal defense
and/or outcome, and coordinate and refer clients to relevant social services.
Students will learn to interview, connect clients to services, and write social histories for mitigation.
Micro
Interview clients for a variety of goals. Interviews will range from brief interviews to lengthy social history and mitigation purposes. Motivational interviewing and solution-focused methods are used often. Students will coordinate, refer and provide documentation to attorneys. Prepare and present accurate case information, and persuasive mitigation reports.
Perform assessments and gather records for mitigation/competency. Advocate for clients in the criminal justice system by investigating, developing, and presenting information that
supports an alternative sentencing or dispositional plan.
Uses professional communication skills and demonstrates empathy with DPD’s clients many of whom suffer from
trauma and/or mental illness, via the phone and in person.
Demonstrates and practices cultural sensitivity when engaging a diverse population.
Advocate for client's stated interests.
Mezzo
Work on an interdisciplinary team of attorneys, paralegals and investigators. Coordinate with community services providers. Attend team meetings, participate in community advocacy groups and be a part of mitigation specialist unit.
Macro
As an organization, we work with the community:
To dismantle the systems that oppress our clients.
To make sure the traditional systems remain as restorative as possible.
To advocate for pathways that will allow our clients to succeed.
We also advocate reducing the harm and reach of the criminal legal system and civil legal systems that restrict our clients’
liberties and to address systemic racism. We strive to create a flexible workplace culture that is inclusive, respectful, and
supportive, premised on a shared anti-oppression framework.
Social work students will continue to work on areas of unconscious biases and learn how these impact our clients.
Additional Perks or Funding
Orca pass is provided. This is a fast-paced placement with experienced PI and you will learn a ton and never be bored!
Required Experience
None needed. It is helpful, but not required.
Students must have valid driver's license, be a minimum of 21 years of age.
Student must have the ability to:
Communicate effectively and professionally, in person and in writing, to represent our clients in the best possible
light. Work calmly and respond courteously when in stressful situations and demonstrate professional
conduct. Learn new complex duties.
Work in a fast-paced, and multifaceted environment with high attention to detail.
Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance to support timeliness and follow-through on legal items and scheduling
affecting our clients.
Required/Preferred Languages
English. Fluency in a foreign language is a plus.
How to Apply
King County DPD will have an application will be forwarded after the interview.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Nikelle Rosier, LICSW
King County DPD ACAD
Mitigation Specialist Supervisor
nikelle.rosier@kingcounty.gov
BASW Class of '94 and MSW Class of '98
Go Dawgs!
