Mitigation Specialist - Defense Social Worker

State of Missouri; Missouri; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined pension plan

Generous leave and holidays

Health insurance

Job summary

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is seeking mitigation specialists to assist clients with underlying issues contributing to their contact with the criminal system. You will connect clients with community resources, work with attorneys to advocate for holistic outcomes, and help reduce pretrial detention and unnecessary prison sentences across Missouri.

Based in the Clayton Trial Office, the role supports St.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree specialization in psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related field (Masters in Social Work preferred).
• Knowledge of available community-based social services and how they intersect with criminal defense.
• Ability to apply knowledge to client advocacy and holistic defense.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for clients and manage cases, identifying service goals and resources.
• Research and review records; conduct literature reviews and social science research for mitigation.
• Collaborate with attorneys to develop mitigation themes and prepare memoranda.
• Supervise social work interns and assist in data collection on holistic defense impact.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Trauma-informed interviewing

Client advocacy

Collaboration

Supervisory skills

Communication skills

Cultural competency

Education

Master’s degree in psychology / social work / sociology

Job description

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing legal representation to individuals accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri who cannot afford an attorney. MSPD operates statewide through district offices strategically located throughout the state, offering opportunities to work in diverse settings, from urban areas like Kansas City and St. Louis to more rural environments. We are seeking mitigation specialists to help our clients with the underlying issues that have led to their contact with the criminal legal system. By connecting clients to community resources and working with attorneys to advocate for holistic outcomes, mitigation specialists play a critical role in reducing pretrial detention and unnecessary prison sentences, ultimately creating lasting change in the criminal legal system.

Responsibilities

• Client Advocacy and Case Management:
  • Work with clients to identify and achieve service goals.
  • Provide case management services to clients.
  • Conduct psychosocial history interviews with clients.
  • Develop mitigation memoranda for use in clients’ cases.
• Research and Investigation:
  • Request and review records.
  • Conduct literature reviews and social science research as part of mitigation work.
  • Identify and interview mitigation witnesses.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Develop mitigation themes and evidence in collaboration with attorneys and other members of the defense team.
  • Draft formal and informal mitigation memoranda.
  • Engage with community organizations to increase access to services for clients.
  • Provide support and guidance to Holistic Defense Advocates in your assigned region.
• Supervision and Training:
  • Supervise social work interns and other holistic defense interns.
  • Help collect and analyze data tracking holistic defense work and its impact.

Qualifications: All You Need for Success

• Education and Experience:
  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in psychology, social work, sociology, or a closely related field; Masters in Social Work preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of or ability to learn about available community-based social services.
  • Understanding of the intersection of criminal defense and social work, and mitigation practice.
  • Knowledge of the collateral consequences of criminal charges and convictions.
  • Effective supervisory and management techniques.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills for handling a diverse workload and competing priorities.
  • Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills for effective performance in office, organizational, and criminal justice system settings.
  • Ability to treat clients, coworkers, and colleagues with respect at all times.
  • General knowledge of social systems casework and human behavior.
  • Ability to apply knowledge to client advocacy.
  • Ability to conduct trauma-informed psychosocial interviews and prepare clear and concise written advocacy.
  • Ability to travel regularly within the assigned region.

This position supports St. Louis County and will be based in the Missouri State Public Defender Clayton Trial Office. 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.

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.

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