Life History Investigator, Non-Capital Cases

Advancing Real Change (ARC), Inc. is seeking a Life History Investigator (LHI) specializing in non-capital cases for its office in Baltimore, MD. This is not a remote position. 

The LHI for non-capital cases will lead mitigation investigations on behalf of indigent clients, primarily those who have already served significant portions of lengthy sentences and are now eligible for reconsideration. These cases can include Second Look, Sentencing Modification, or other types of non-capital cases where mitigation investigation is essential to case outcomes. Cases may originate in Maryland, Washington, DC, other locations in the mid-Atlantic, or Northeast region.

Who we are (and are not)

ARC, Inc. is a dynamic and expanding nonprofit organization dedicated to ushering in empathy, dignity, and equity within and beyond the criminal legal system. We ensure that our clients receive the quality defense to which they are entitled. Providing such a defense requires that we maintain reasonable caseloads; a typical LHI caseload is a fraction of what is maintained by the majority of defender organizations. Investigators work on cases collaboratively and with the support of an ARC, Inc. Records Specialist.

We believe strongly in human dignity and its potential as a force for change in the criminal legal system. We seek to provide our staff members with the compensation, support, and flexibility that will enable them sustain this effort over time. As teammates, we respect each other’s diverse contributions to the work.

ARC, Inc. is neither a private firm nor a government agency. If you are looking for a 9-to-5 job, if you take a checklist-style approach to mitigation, or if you are anything less than 100% committed to the inherent dignity of our clients and the work involved in carrying that message forward, we are not a fit for you.

What we offer

The salary for this position will be between $60,000 and $68,000. Benefits include an employer contribution toward health and dental coverage (can be applied to our group plan premium or received as a taxed stipend) and employer contributions to a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan. ARC, Inc. will also cover expenses related to professional development opportunities. Our leave policy includes no annual limit on, or pay deductions for, time off. It is our hope that staff members use this time to balance periods that require extensive and sustained work.

Most importantly, we offer the opportunity to work in an environment that acknowledges that your ultimate responsibility is to our clients and that we will provide every support to help meet that commitment. By accepting a position with us, you are committed to creating systemic change and accept the challenges that come with that goal.

What you will offer

The ideal candidate for this position will bring:

• 2 or more years of experience as a mitigation specialist on capital and/or juvenile life without parole cases
• commitment to upholding and promoting mitigation investigation professional standards as outlined in the ABA Guidelines for Mitigation Function of Defense Team in Capital Cases and in the Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth Guidelines for the Representation of Child Clients
• mindfulness of what is needed to work across cultural differences of all kinds
• resilience in the face of difficult work
• creativity in responding to challenges and developing strategies
• eagerness to work as part of a team of mission-driven individuals from diverse backgrounds

Position Details

The LHI for non-capital cases is a full-time position based in ARC, Inc.’s office in Baltimore, MD. This position reports directly to the Co-Directors of Mitigation Casework and will work collaboratively with Records Specialists assigned to cases, thereby directing some case-specific work.  The responsibilities of the position include:

Case progress
Ensures that each case is moving forward on all fronts.

• Building strong, trusting relationships with clients
• Identifying, locating, and interviewing witnesses who are knowledgeable about the client at every phase of life, and developing ongoing relationships as needed
• Ensuring progress on the dual fronts of investigation: records and in-person interviews to inform and build case theories
• Developing theory memo to identify themes and drive case narratives
• Identifying and vocalizing need for additional resources
• Drafting mitigation submissions
• Designing re-entry plans in collaboration with the client

Adherence to professional standards
Conducts an investigation that complies with professional standards for obtaining reliable information.

• Conducting investigation that is multi-generational, field-based, and collaborative
• Conducting interviews that are in-person and open-ended
• Understanding and complying with rules dictated by case posture, jurisdiction, and other factors
• Educating on standards-compliant investigation within teams and/or to outside stakeholders

Team collaboration
Works as a fully-engaged member of the defense team.

• Ensuring case file is well-organized to facilitate access to information by all team members
• Producing memos that are clear, concise, and timely
• Consulting with attorneys to develop theories of the case and case strategy
• Fostering productive working relationships with members of the defense team
• Assisting in identifying and working with experts 

Organizational engagement
Participates as a full member of the ARC, Inc. team.

• Knowing and adhering to all organization policies and procedures
• Serving as a resource, internally and externally, regarding non-capital cases
• Fully and enthusiastically participating in team meetings
• Reporting on case progress and outcomes for use in planning, fundraising, and external communications
• Playing a supportive role in events, initiatives, and other tasks as requested by management, including taking on a leadership role in local initiatives

Application process

Those wishing to apply for this position should first ensure that they meet the following minimum requirements: 2 years mitigation experience, clear written and oral expression, driver’s license (or ability to obtain one), willingness to travel, and familiarity with issues in mental health, mental disability, trauma, racial justice, poverty, incarceration, and other relevant topics. If your mitigation experience is less than 2 years, is primarily internship-based, or does not include significant work on capital or JLWOP cases, we direct you to review our Records Specialist posting. You may also reach out to [email protected] to inquire whether you meet the requirement for this position.

Additional qualifications that are preferred but not required include a 4-year degree, relevant post-graduate degree, a second language (preferably Spanish), and proficiency with case management programs and software. This position is required to qualify for a private investigator’s license; if you meet other qualifications but are unsure of your eligibility for a license, you are encouraged to contact our team for further discussion.

Those meeting the minimum requirements should apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and a brief (3 – 5 page) writing sample using the form below. Successful applications will convey the applicant’s fit with the position and motivation in pursuing mitigation as a career.

ARC, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, which welcomes qualified applicants of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, disability status, and sexual orientations, as well as those who have been system-involved.