Mitigation & Defense Social Worker Holistic Justice Advocate

State of Missouri; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Generous leave and holidays

Health insurance

Job summary

Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks mitigation specialists to assist clients with underlying issues contributing to criminal charges, linking them to community resources and working with attorneys toward holistic outcomes.

The role involves conducting psychosocial interviews, developing mitigation memoranda, and providing in-court advocacy as needed. Travel within the assigned region is required, with supervision and training responsibilities for interns and new staff.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, or related field; MSW preferred.
• Experience substitutable for education may apply.
• Strong interviewing and case management abilities required.
• Ability to collaborate with attorneys and defense team.

Responsibilities

• Identify and achieve service goals with clients.
• Provide connections to mental health, housing, employment services.
• Conduct psychosocial history interviews with clients.
• Develop mitigation memoranda for cases.
• Occasionally testify or advocate in court.
• Develop mitigation themes with attorneys and staff.
• Draft mitigation memoranda and coordinate with defense team.
• Engage with community organizations to access services.

Skills

Case management

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Trauma-informed interviewing

Travel readiness

Education

Master’s degree in psychology or social work (or related field)

Job description

Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks mitigation specialists to assist clients with underlying issues contributing to criminal charges, linking them to community resources and working with attorneys toward holistic outcomes.

The role involves conducting psychosocial interviews, developing mitigation memoranda, and providing in-court advocacy as needed. Travel within the assigned region is required, with supervision and training responsibilities for interns and new staff.