The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) Capital Division is committed to providing zealous legal representation to individuals facing the most serious penalties in Missouri, including those charged with capital crimes who cannot afford an attorney. MSPD's Capital Division operates statewide, offering opportunities to work on high-stakes cases in diverse settings, from urban areas like Kansas City and St. Louis to more rural environments.
We are seeking a mitigation specialist to assist our clients by addressing the underlying factors that have contributed to their involvement in the criminal legal system. In capital cases, mitigation specialists play a vital role in investigating and presenting evidence about our clients' lives, including their backgrounds, mental health, trauma, and circumstances that may impact sentencing. By working closely with attorneys and experts, mitigation specialists advocate for life-saving outcomes and help ensure that every client's unique story is fully considered. Their work not only helps reduce the risk of the death penalty but also promotes systemic change within the legal system.
As a Mitigation Specialist in the Capital Division, you will serve clients facing the death penalty, providing essential support to the defense team by uncovering and presenting mitigating factors that can influence sentencing. You will work closely with attorneys, clients, and their families to build a comprehensive life history that humanizes each client and ensures that all relevant factors are considered. Your key responsibilities include:
Client Advocacy and Case Management: - Conduct in-depth psychosocial history interviews with clients, family members, and other key individuals.
- Work with clients and their families to understand and communicate the full context of their life experiences, including trauma, mental health, and developmental history.
- Develop comprehensive mitigation reports that detail the client's life history for use in court proceedings.
- Provide ongoing case management services to clients, assisting in the identification and achievement of service goals that support mitigation.
Research and Investigation: - Gather and review extensive records, including medical, educational, mental health, and family history documents, as part of mitigation research.
- Conduct social science research and literature reviews to support the development of mitigation evidence.
- Identify, locate, and interview mitigation witnesses such as family members, educators, and mental health professionals who can provide insight into the client’s life and circumstances.
- Collaborate with forensic and mental health experts to develop evidence supporting mitigation themes.
Collaboration and Communication: - Work closely with defense attorneys and experts to develop and present comprehensive mitigation strategies for capital cases.
- Draft formal mitigation reports and memoranda to present evidence of mitigating factors in court proceedings.
- Collaborate with attorneys, investigators, and other specialists to create compelling narratives and life histories that support the defense’s sentencing argument.
- Engage with community organizations, social workers, and mental health professionals to provide support services to clients and their families, where appropriate.
Supervision and Training: - Supervise and mentor social work interns and other team members involved in mitigation work.
- Assist in the collection and analysis of data tracking the effectiveness of mitigation efforts in capital cases.
Qualifications: All You Need for Success - Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in psychology, social work, sociology, or a closely related field; Masters in Social Work preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of or ability to learn about available community-based social services.
- Understanding of the intersection of criminal defense and social work, and mitigation practice.
- Knowledge of the collateral consequences of criminal charges and convictions.
- Effective supervisory and management techniques.
- Strong organizational and time management skills for handling a diverse workload and competing priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and communication skills for effective performance in office, organizational, and criminal justice system settings.
- Ability to treat clients, coworkers, and colleagues with respect at all times.
- General knowledge of social systems casework and human behavior.
- Ability to apply knowledge to client advocacy.
- Ability to conduct trauma-informed psychosocial interviews and prepare clear and concise written advocacy.
- Ability to travel regularly within the assigned region.
This position is located in St. Louis and supports the Capital Division. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-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, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .
Join MSPD and be part of a dedicated team working to create meaningful change in the criminal legal system, ensuring justice and support for those who need it most.
