Mitigation Specialist - Capital Post-Conviction Relief Social Worker

Job Description

The 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.
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.

As a Mitigation Specialist in the Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division, you will support attorneys by conducting comprehensive client investigations, developing social histories, reviewing records, and identifying information relevant to appellate and post-conviction proceedings.
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.

Education and Experience
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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.

This position can be located in
Columbia, Kansas City or St. Louis
and supports the
Appellate/Post-Conviction Relief Division
.
The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits, including a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage.
Learn more about MSPD benefits at
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, the Total Compensation Calculator provides an overview of benefits and other compensation available to state employees. Applicant resources are available through the
Missouri State Personnel website
.
Join MSPD and become part of a dedicated team working to protect constitutional rights and ensure that every client receives meaningful, comprehensive representation throughout the appellate and post-conviction process.
The salary listed reflects the base pay rate. Verified prior state service, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, may increase total compensation.

Human.Resources@mspd.mo.gov
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