Mitigation Specialist - Capital Post-Conviction Relief Social Worker

Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief (PCR) Division is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of individuals who have been convicted of crimes and are seeking relief through the appellate and post-conviction process. The Division represents indigent clients throughout Missouri in direct appeals and post-conviction proceedings and works to ensure that clients receive meaningful, high-quality representation at every stage of the legal process.

About the role

We are seeking a Mitigation Specialist to support attorneys in developing comprehensive social histories and identifying circumstances that may be relevant to a client's appellate or post-conviction case. Mitigation Specialists play an important role in helping attorneys understand the experiences, background, mental health, trauma, family history, and other circumstances that may provide context for a client's case or support legal claims. Working closely with attorneys, clients, families, experts, and community resources, the Mitigation Specialist helps ensure that relevant information is thoroughly investigated, documented, and incorporated into the legal team's case strategy.

Responsibilities

• Client Advocacy and Case Support
  • Conduct in-depth psychosocial and social history interviews with clients, family members, and other individuals with relevant knowledge of the client's background.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of each client's life history, including family, educational, developmental, mental health, medical, substance use, trauma, and social history.
  • Maintain regular communication with clients and their families throughout the case.
  • Identify client needs and connect clients and families with appropriate community resources when appropriate.
  • Provide attorneys with information and context that may assist in developing legal strategies and identifying potential claims or issues.
• Research and Investigation
  • Gather, obtain, organize, and review records including medical, mental health, educational, employment, social service, correctional, and other relevant records.
  • Conduct social history research and investigate circumstances surrounding the client's background and criminal case.
  • Identify, locate, and interview family members, educators, service providers, mental health professionals, correctional personnel, and other potential witnesses.
  • Conduct collateral interviews and follow up on information obtained through client and witness interviews.
  • Assist attorneys in identifying additional areas of investigation and potential sources of supporting evidence.
  • Conduct social science research and literature reviews when appropriate to support case development.
• Case Documentation and Collaboration
  • Prepare clear and comprehensive social history reports, memoranda, summaries, and other written materials for use by attorneys.
  • Organize and maintain detailed records of investigative activities, interviews, documents, and case-related information.
  • Collaborate closely with attorneys, investigators, experts, and other members of the defense team.
  • Assist attorneys in developing comprehensive case narratives and identifying information relevant to appellate and post-conviction claims.
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment when handling sensitive client information.
• Professional Development and Training
  • Stay current on developments in mitigation practice, social work, criminal defense, post-conviction litigation, and relevant social science research.
  • Participate in training and professional development activities.
  • Develop knowledge of community resources and services available to clients.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to client representation.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related field; Master's in Social Work preferred.
• Relevant professional experience may be considered in place of a Master's degree.

Skills

• Knowledge of or ability to learn about community-based social services and resources.
• Understanding of the intersection of social work, criminal defense, and mitigation practice.
• Knowledge of social systems, human behavior, and the impact of trauma and other life circumstances.
• Ability to conduct trauma-informed psychosocial and social history interviews.
• Strong investigative, research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize large amounts of information from multiple sources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, attorneys, investigators, experts, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Commitment to providing high-quality advocacy and services to indigent clients.
• Ability to travel as needed within the assigned region.

Location

This position can be located in Columbia, Kansas City, or St. Louis and supports the Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits, including a defined pension plan.
• Generous amounts of leave and holiday time.
• Eligibility for health insurance coverage.

Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.