Mono County Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary Under general direction, the Public Defender Holistic Defense Mitigation Specialist provides specialized social work, mitigation investigation, advocacy, and case management services as part of an interdisciplinary defense team within the Mono County Public Defender's Office. This position supports indigent clients involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems by identifying and addressing behavioral health, social, medical, educational, and environmental factors contributing to justice system involvement. The Mitigation Specialist conducts comprehensive assessments and mitigation investigations, prepares reports and recommendations, coordinates community-based services, and collaborates closely with attorneys to support defense strategies and positive client outcomes.

Responsibilities include client advocacy, reentry and diversion planning, court support, and resource coordination for individuals experiencing mental health conditions, substance use disorders, trauma, and other complex challenges. This position plays a critical role in promoting rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and connecting clients to services that support long-term stability and successful community reintegration. To see the full job description, click here.

Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate for the Public Defender Holistic Defense Mitigation Specialist position is a compassionate, client-centered professional who is passionate about advancing justice through advocacy, social work, and collaborative defense. This individual brings experience working with justice-involved populations and understands the complex intersection of mental health, substance use, trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers that contribute to involvement in the criminal legal system. The successful candidate is skilled at building trust with clients and families from diverse backgrounds, conducting thorough psychosocial assessments and mitigation investigations, and connecting individuals to meaningful community-based supports and services.

The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and can work effectively alongside attorneys, investigators, behavioral health professionals, and community partners to support positive legal and life outcomes for clients. They possess strong communication, research, and report-writing skills, maintain professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations, and demonstrate sound judgment when working in courts, custody settings, and the community. Candidates who are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, bilingual, and committed to holistic public defense and reducing recidivism are strongly encouraged to apply.

Department Summary The Mono County Public Defender's Office is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who cannot afford legal representation while advancing a client-centered approach to public defense. Through a holistic defense model, the department recognizes that legal challenges are often connected to broader social, behavioral health, and economic factors. The office works collaboratively to support clients not only in the courtroom, but also in addressing the underlying issues that contribute to justice system involvement.

The Public Defender's Office brings together attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, and community partners to provide comprehensive advocacy and meaningful support to adults and youth navigating the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The department values integrity, compassion, collaboration, and equitable access to justice, while fostering partnerships with behavioral health providers, treatment programs, social services, and community organizations throughout Mono County. TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related field. Possession of a valid license issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Clinical Psychologist license. Experience: Two (2) years of professional social work experience is desirable, preferably in one or more of the following areas: Criminal justice or forensic social work Behavioral health or substance use treatment Community-based social services Mitigation investigation or legal advocacy Work with justice-involved populations About the County Mono County, California's Great Beyond Mono County offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through public service while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

As a small, collaborative county organization, employees work closely with leadership, take on diverse responsibilities, and see the direct results of their work in the community. What employees value about working at Mono County: Employees appreciate Mono County's location and lifestyle benefits, strong benefits package (including CalPERS retirement and health coverage), collaborative teams, and the opportunity to make a direct impact in public service. Our smaller, close-knit work environment fosters meaningful connections and supports work-life balance.

Mono County, California's Eastern Sierra Mono County is a rural region with a dynamic community of 13,000 residents located in the eastern side of California's Sierra Nevada range. Development is increasing in the area due to the consistent growth of the town of Mammoth Lakes. Known as "California's Great Beyond" this natural playground offers a complete range of amenities and activities making it an ideal place to live and work.

Enjoy fine shops, restaurants, and cafes. Snowboard, ski, or bike down mountain trails, fish for trout, explore the backcountry, play a round of golf, relax in soothing hot springs, or paddle a kayak along the shores of Mono Lake. The town of Mammoth Lakes is the most populated region of Mono County, hosting Mammoth Mountain Ski area and various resort-community amenities.

On the quieter side, June Lake, Lee Vining, Bridgeport, Walker, Coleville, Chalfant, and Benton offer a more rural atmosphere, unlimited outdoor adventures, and small-town charm. Benefits Highlights Retirement: CalPERS retirement and 457/401(a) Plans available. Medical: CalPERS health plans Dental & Vision Generous vacation and sick pay Discounted gym membership Click the benefits tab to see full details.