Mitigation Specialist - Defense Social Worker

About the Missouri Public Defender System

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) provides legal defense services for individuals facing criminal charges or convictions in Missouri who cannot afford private attorneys. Operating statewide, MSPD has district offices in various locations, ranging from urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis to rural communities. Our team is committed to addressing the underlying issues affecting our clients and supporting holistic legal outcomes.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

As a Mitigation Specialist, your role involves assisting clients within a specified region by overcoming barriers and linking them with community resources. Central to your work will be collaboration with attorneys to reduce pretrial detention and avoid unnecessary imprisonment, thus fostering systemic improvements.

• Partner with clients to identify and pursue service goals.
• Offer comprehensive case management, including referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing support, employment assistance, and transportation facilitation for case-related matters.
• Conduct detailed psychosocial history interviews with clients.
• Prepare mitigation memoranda to support clients' legal cases.
• Occasionally provide testimony or direct court advocacy.
• Request, gather, and review client records pertinent to mitigation.
• Perform literature and social science research to inform mitigation strategies.
• Locate and interview witnesses relevant to mitigation efforts.
• Collaborate with legal teams to develop mitigation themes and assemble evidentiary support.
• Author both formal and informal mitigation documents.
• Engage community organizations to improve client access to supportive services.
• Offer guidance and assistance to MSPD staff within your region.
• Supervise Human Development Services (HDS) interns.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing data tracking holistic defense work outcomes.
• Support onboarding and training efforts for new HDS team members.

Qualifications and Skills

A Master's degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, sociology, or a related field is required; a Master’s in Social Work is preferred. Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.

• Familiarity or willingness to learn about community-based social services.
• Understanding of the merger between criminal defense practices and social work in mitigation contexts.
• Awareness of the broader implications of criminal charges and convictions.
• Preferably, experience with supervisory and management practices.
• Strong organizational capabilities and time management for juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication for collaboration within organizational and judicial settings.
• Commitment to respectful treatment of clients, colleagues, and staff.
• General understanding of social systems, casework principles, and human behavior.
• Skill in applying social work knowledge to advocate on behalf of clients.
• Proficiency in conducting trauma-informed psychosocial interviews and generating clear written advocacy materials.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently within assigned geographic regions, which may cover large areas.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary along with State of Missouri benefits, which include a defined pension plan, generous leave and holidays, and health insurance eligibility. The total compensation package extends beyond base salary, encompassing various benefits and resources.

Relocation assistance up to $2,500 is available for candidates relocating more than 60 miles in accordance with MSPD’s Relocation Policy.

Note: Salary figures represent base pay and prior state service may adjust total compensation subject to eligibility.

Additional Information

For inquiries, contact Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov.