Holistic Defense Mitigation Specialist

State-of-Missour; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks a Mitigation Specialist to serve clients across Missouri, advocating for holistic outcomes by connecting clients to community resources and supporting defense teams. The role emphasizes reducing pretrial detention and promoting just outcomes within diverse urban and rural settings.

The candidate will perform psychosocial interviews, develop mitigation memoranda, and collaborate with attorneys to identify mitigation themes while traveling regionally to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required or related field; MSW preferred.
• Experience in social services, mental health, or criminal defense contexts.
• Knowledge of collateral consequences of criminal charges.
• Supervisory/management experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for clients and manage case plans.
• Connect clients to mental health, housing, and employment services.
• Conduct psychosocial history interviews.
• Develop mitigation memoranda for clients.
• Occasionally testify or provide in-court advocacy.
• Request and review records.
• Conduct literature reviews and interviews.
• Develop mitigation themes with the defense team.
• Draft formal and informal memoranda.
• Engage with community organizations to increase service access.
• Supervise interns and assist with onboarding new staff.

Skills

Community engagement

Case management

Advocacy

Interviewing skills

Written advocacy

Travel willingness

Education

Master’s degree in psychology/social work

Job description

Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks a Mitigation Specialist to serve clients across Missouri, advocating for holistic outcomes by connecting clients to community resources and supporting defense teams. The role emphasizes reducing pretrial detention and promoting just outcomes within diverse urban and rural settings.

The candidate will perform psychosocial interviews, develop mitigation memoranda, and collaborate with attorneys to identify mitigation themes while traveling regionally to