Capital Habeas Mitigation Specialist

Court Name/Organization Missouri Western Federal Public Defender

Overview of the Position This position offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by ensuring that high-quality legal representation is provided for clients who have been sentenced to death in state court. We represent death-sentenced clients in the final stages of litigation, including petitions for habeas corpus relief in federal court and requests for clemency. As part of our team, you will play a critical role in investigating, developing, and presenting mitigation evidence in post-conviction proceedings for clients facing the most serious penalty.

Location Kansas City, MO

Opening and Closing Dates 02/03/2026 - Open Until Filled

Appointment Type Permanent

Classification Level/Grade 09/01-14/10

Salary $62,729 - $166,182

Announcement Number 1

The duties of a Capital Mitigation Specialist include developing and analyzing mitigation evidence to assist attorneys in client focused representation. This position requires frequent travel and often involves evening and weekend work, when witnesses are available for interviews. In furtherance of these duties the Mitigation Specialist will:

• Interview clients and relevant people in a culturally competent manner.
• Locate and conduct in-person witness interviews to discover information, and to develop all mitigating circumstances in the client’s life; obtain necessary releases from both clients and relevant actors in order to secure relevant records.
• Gather, investigate, validate, and report to attorney all aspects of client’s life and a multigenerational family history obtained from various sources including vital records, social services records, educational records, employment and personnel records, military records, medical/health records, arrest records, institutional records, community records, and interviews with persons relevant to the client.
• Prepare written Social History reports based on information gathered over the course of the investigation and in prior stages, detailing the client's life and family history.
• Screen client for the presence of mental illness or impairments. If necessary, determine which experts might be consulted and potentially retained to evaluate the client for substance abuse, or mental or psychological disorders.
• Maintain sufficient knowledge of current research, national standards of practice, and trends in areas such as substance abuse, mental health, and effects of incarceration or other relevant conditions.
• Conduct and participate in fact investigation as needed; assist the attorney in court as requested.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, ideally in social work, psychology, criminology, or a related field (Master’s strongly preferred).
• Understanding of office confidentiality issues, such as attorney client privilege.
• Working knowledge of the criminal justice and correctional systems, mental health, and social services.
• Experience conducting exhaustive investigations.
• Strong interviewing, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to the mission of indigent defense and capital representation.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed.

• $62,729-$166,182 (commensurate with experience)
• Robust federal benefits package including:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer Retirement Plan
• Paid federal holidays, annual and sick leave
• Access to wellness resources and confidential support
• Access to continuing legal education and training opportunities

The duties of a Capital Mitigation Specialist include developing and analyzing mitigation evidence to assist attorneys in client focused representation. This position requires frequent travel and often involves evening and weekend work, when witnesses are available for interviews. In furtherance of these duties the Mitigation Specialist will:

• Interview clients and relevant people in a culturally competent manner.
• Locate and conduct in-person witness interviews to discover information, and to develop all mitigating circumstances in the client’s life;…