Holistic Defense Services Specialist - Defense Social Worker

State of Missouri; Kirksville (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Pension plan

Generous leave and holidays

Job summary

Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is seeking an entry-level Holistic Defense Services Specialist to support clients alongside attorneys and defense staff in a collaborative, client-centered setting.

You will connect clients with community resources, gather records, conduct interviews, prepare mitigation materials, and receive mentorship in trauma-informed advocacy and holistic defense practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, counseling, or related field.
• Four years of relevant professional experience in social services, case management, behavioral health, or advocacy.
• Interest in holistic defense and client-centered advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial and mitigation interviews with clients.
• Obtain and organize medical, educational, mental health, and employment records.
• Assist with preparation of mitigation memoranda, timelines, and dispositional materials.
• Communicate with clients, family members, service providers, and community agencies.
• Identify community resources and connect clients with support services.
• Provide case management assistance and maintain mitigation records.

Skills

Holistic defense

Trauma-informed advocacy

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Case management software

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (social work/psychology/criminology)

Job description

The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is committed to providing high-quality legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Our holistic defense model recognizes that effective representation extends beyond the courtroom by addressing the social, medical, educational, and personal challenges that can impact a client's case and long-term success.

As a Holistic Defense Services Specialist, you will work alongside attorneys and other defense team members to support clients through compassionate, client-centered advocacy. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about social services, criminal justice, psychology, counseling, or community advocacy and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. You'll help connect clients with community resources, gather records, conduct interviews, and assist in developing mitigation materials while receiving training and mentorship in trauma-informed advocacy and holistic defense practices.

This position offers the opportunity to build valuable experience working directly with clients while contributing to a collaborative team dedicated to advancing justice throughout Missouri.

Responsibilities Include

• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Skills And Abilities

• Interest in holistic defense, mitigation, or client-centered advocacy.
• Knowledge of social service systems, behavioral health resources, and community-based programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work with clients experiencing trauma, mental illness, substance use disorders, housing instability, or other significant barriers.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with clients, attorneys, service providers, and community partners.
• Proficiency with computers and case management software.
• Willingness to travel as needed to meet with clients, visit facilities, and coordinate services.

The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .

MSPD can assist with relocation expenses that are consistent with our Relocation Policy. This policy allows MSPD to reimburse up to $2,500 in qualifying relocation related expenses if the new hire's work location is at least 60 miles away from their prior residence.

Join MSPD and be part of a dedicated team working to create meaningful change in the criminal legal system, ensuring justice and support for those who need it most.

The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.