Mitigation Specialist

Position Overview

The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is committed to providing legal assistance to individuals charged with or convicted of crimes in Missouri who are unable to afford attorneys. Operating statewide with offices in both urban and rural areas, MSPD offers diverse work environments. The role of Mitigation Specialist is crucial in addressing the root causes leading clients to the criminal justice system, facilitating connections to community resources, and collaborating with attorneys to support outcomes beyond traditional prosecution and incarceration.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate for clients by identifying and assisting with achieving service objectives.
• Provide comprehensive case management services such as linking clients to mental health, substance use treatment, housing, employment opportunities, and transportation for relevant needs.
• Conduct in-depth psychosocial history interviews with clients to collect pertinent information.
• Prepare detailed mitigation memoranda for use in clients' legal cases.
• Occasionally provide testimony or advocacy within the courtroom setting.
• Request and analyze records necessary for case preparation.
• Conduct literature and social science research to support mitigation efforts.
• Identify and interview witnesses who contribute to mitigation evidence.
• Collaborate with attorneys and defense team members to develop mitigation themes and compile supporting evidence.
• Draft both formal and informal mitigation memoranda.
• Engage with community organizations to broaden client access to services.
• Offer guidance and support to MSPD staff within the assigned region.
• Supervise Help Desk Specialist (HDS) interns and participate in onboarding new team members.
• Assist in collecting and analyzing data to evaluate holistic defense impacts.
• Travel routinely within the designated geographic area to support clients and staff.

Qualifications and Skills

• Possession of a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, sociology, or a closely related discipline; a Master’s in Social Work is preferred. Equivalent relevant experience may be accepted.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about community-based social services.
• Understanding of the intersection between criminal defense, social work, and mitigation practices.
• Familiarity with collateral consequences of criminal charges and convictions.
• Preferred skills in supervision and management techniques.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities capable of handling diverse responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills suitable for various settings including office, organizational, and legal environments.
• Respectful treatment of clients, colleagues, and coworkers at all times.
• Basic knowledge of social systems casework and human behavior.
• Competency in applying knowledge towards client advocacy.
• Capability to conduct trauma-informed psychosocial interviews and create clear, concise written advocacy materials.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and take initiative.
• Willingness and ability to regularly travel within a potentially large geographic region.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be offered a competitive salary reflecting the base pay rate, with possible increases for verified prior state service according to eligibility. Employment includes State of Missouri benefits such as a defined pension plan, generous leave and holidays, plus eligibility for health insurance. Relocation assistance up to $2,500 may be provided for candidates moving 60 miles or more, consistent with MSPD's relocation policy. This position contributes to impactful work aiming to reform the criminal legal system by supporting holistic defense approaches and ensuring justice for vulnerable populations.