Entry-Level Holistic Defense Advocate

State-of-Missour; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks a Holistic Defense Services Specialist to support attorneys and clients through compassionate, client-centered advocacy. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals passionate about social services, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or community advocacy and wanting to make a difference in lives of others.

You will conduct psychosocial interviews, gather records, help prepare mitigation materials, and connect clients with community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, counseling, or a closely related field.
• Four years of relevant professional experience in social services, case management, behavioral health, criminal justice, advocacy, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial and mitigation interviews with clients.
• Obtain and organize medical, educational, mental health, treatment, employment, and other relevant records.
• Assist with the preparation of mitigation memoranda, timelines, dispositional materials, and other client advocacy documents.
• Communicate with clients, family members, service providers, and community agencies.
• Identify community resources and connect clients with appropriate support services.
• Provide case management assistance to help address client needs.
• Organize and maintain mitigation records and case materials.
• Assist attorneys with client-centered advocacy and holistic defense strategies.
• Utilize case management systems and other office technology to document activities.
• Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, mitigation specialists, and other MSPD staff.

Skills

Effective communication

Compassion

Organizational skills

Trauma-informed advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, counseling, or a closely related field

Tools

Case management software

Job description

Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks a Holistic Defense Services Specialist to support attorneys and clients through compassionate, client-centered advocacy. This entry-level role is ideal for individuals passionate about social services, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or community advocacy and wanting to make a difference in lives of others.

You will conduct psychosocial interviews, gather records, help prepare mitigation materials, and connect clients with community