Regional Mitigation & Defense Social Worker

State of Missouri; Kirksville (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks a Mitigation Specialist to serve clients across Missouri, building relationships with community providers and guiding access to services. You will help address barriers and advocate for holistic outcomes alongside attorneys, reducing detention and unnecessary prison terms.

Responsibilities include conducting psychosocial interviews, developing mitigation memoranda, coordinating with the defense team, and traveling within the assigned region.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, or closely related field; Masters in Social Work preferred.
• Relevant experience may substitute.
• Knowledge of available community-based social services.
• Understanding of criminal defense and mitigation practice.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients to identify and achieve service goals.
• Provide case management services to clients, including connections to mental health or substance use treatment, housing, and employment; assist with transportation.
• Conduct psychosocial history interviews with clients.
• Develop mitigation memoranda for use in clients’ cases.
• Occasionally testify or provide in-court advocacy.
• Identify and interview mitigation witnesses.
• Develop mitigation themes and evidence in collaboration with attorneys.
• Draft formal and informal mitigation memoranda.
• Engage with community organizations to increase access to services for clients.
• Supervise HDS interns; help collect and analyze data; onboard new team members.

Skills

Psychology knowledge

Social work background

Communication skills

Time management

Trauma-informed interviewing

Independent work

Travel willingness

Education

Master's degree in psychology/social work

Job description

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) seeks a Mitigation Specialist to serve clients across Missouri, building relationships with community providers and guiding access to services. You will help address barriers and advocate for holistic outcomes alongside attorneys, reducing detention and unnecessary prison terms.

Responsibilities include conducting psychosocial interviews, developing mitigation memoranda, coordinating with the defense team, and traveling within the assigned region.