Mitigation Specialist (24-Month Fellowship, With Potential for Continued Employment)

Still She Rises, Tulsa•Tulsa, OK

1d•$75,000

About The Position

The Mitigation Specialist develops the in-depth, humanizing context that supports holistic defense advocacy. Mitigation work focuses on understanding and documenting the life experiences, trauma histories, and systemic factors that shape a client’s circumstances, and presenting that context in ways that support advocacy and dignity. This role centers on specialized mitigation investigation while also supporting general investigative tasks as needed to ensure case flow across the team. Mitigation Specialists conduct biopsychosocial and life-history investigations; interview clients, families, and community members; collect and analyze records; and prepare narrative-based materials for pre- and post-disposition advocacy. Working as part of an interdisciplinary defense team under the supervision of the Advocacy Practice Leader, the Mitigation Specialist collaborates closely with attorneys, investigators, and defense experts to integrate mitigation themes into case strategy and courtroom preparation. This is an early-to-mid career mitigation role with meaningful responsibility and structured supervision. The Mitigation Specialist will carry their own cases while receiving ongoing guidance and mentorship. The position offers the opportunity to help expand and shape mitigation practice across the office through the fellowship component. This role is especially well suited for someone who sees narrative, context, and dignity as central to justice work. This position is structured as a 24-month fellowship designed to help build and strengthen mitigation practices across the office. The fellow will play a key role in expanding how SSR integrates trauma-informed mitigation into defense advocacy, training client teams, and helping identify key litigation moments where mitigation can be most impactful. The fellow will: Help equip client teams with the skills to identify and develop mitigation themes Work with practice leaders to identify litigation junctures and practice areas where mitigation can be most impactful Conduct trainings and develop instructional materials related to mitigation practice This role is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of trauma’s impact on behavior and for professionals who embrace abolitionist principles, including restorative and transformative justice.

Requirements

Minimum 2 years of experience in investigation, social services, client services, research, or related work
Bachelor degree in related field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered mitigation practice
Ability to work respectfully with diverse individuals and communities
This role involves sustained engagement with trauma histories and difficult life circumstances; comfort working with sensitive material and strong self-awareness around boundaries and support needs are important.

Nice To Haves

Background in forensic social work, psychology, counseling, social work, human development, or behavioral health
Experience conducting biopsychosocial assessments or life-history investigations
Familiarity with legal systems and interdisciplinary casework
Bilingual or multilingual ability

Responsibilities

Investigation & Casework Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and gather comprehensive life-history information to support mitigation strategy.
Collect, review, and analyze records related to mental health, trauma history, education, medical background, and family systems.
Prepare clear, compelling mitigation reports and case materials for pre- and post-disposition advocacy.
Perform general investigative tasks as needed to support case flow, including interviews, fact-gathering, records collection, and documentation relevant to mitigation themes.
Maintain thorough, timely, and well-organized documentation and case files in accordance with SSR standards.
Client Support & Collaborative Practice Interview clients, family members, caregivers, and community sources to develop holistic social histories and contextual information.
Collaborate closely with attorneys, investigators, and interdisciplinary partners to integrate mitigation themes into case strategy and hearing or trial preparation.
Communicate findings, updates, risks, and emerging insights proactively to support smooth teamwork and effective client-centered representation.
Support court proceedings where mitigation evidence is required, including preparation of exhibits, narratives, and expert-aligned materials.
Learning, Growth & Practice Contribution Deepen mitigation expertise through ongoing supervision, training, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
Share mitigation-specific insights with peers—such as trauma-informed interviewing techniques, record-review approaches, and contextual analysis—to strengthen team practice in appropriate cases.
Strengthen investigative and documentation practices by integrating feedback, refining techniques, and contributing to a collaborative learning environment.
Specialized Role Functions Coordinate with defense experts, including identifying appropriate expert types, preparing materials, managing scheduling, and supporting communication.
Develop narrative-based mitigation strategies that contextualize client experiences, trauma histories, and systemic factors.
Support special projects aligned with mitigation or contextual investigation needs based on team capacity and organizational priorities.
Other duties as assigned.