Holistic Defense Advocate

We are currently accepting applications to fill two vacancies for the position of Holistic Defense Advocate (Social Service Worker, Senior job classification) in Santa Barbara for the Public Defender’s Office.   We are also establishing one employment list for future vacancies in the Public Defender’s Office. Please select the locations you […]

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Call on Clinical Behavioral Health

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (e.g., household dysfunction, abuse, neglect, witnessing violence in the home or community) are traumatic events occurring prior to the age of 18 and are related to long-term negative cognitive, developmental, behavioral, social, and physical health outcomes. […]

Social Workers Meetup: Community Engagement and Community Resources

This meetup will discuss the broad spectrum of community engagement and community resources: two sides of the same coin. Community resources are critical for an underserved client population in need of resources, especially when they have gone without having this […]

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the Criminal Justice System: A Neurocriminological Perspective

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when brain function is disrupted by an external force, such as a blow to the head. Common causes of TBIs include sports collisions, traffic accidents, falls, and physical assaults. TBIs are associated with an increased […]

First 1,000 Days of Life and Implications for Future Health and Behavioral Outcomes: A Neurocriminological and Nutritional Neuroscience Perspective

The first 1,000 days refers to a child’s life from day one of conception until the age of 2. This is a unique period of opportunity when the foundations of ideal neurodevelopment, growth, and health are established. Problematic and traumatic […]

Social Worker Meetup: Keeping Mitigation Themes Compelling

We have talked in the past about mitigation themes and also referred to the John B. Meixner, Jr. article, “Modern Sentencing Mitigation” that includes an analysis of the most compelling themes with the best outcomes in federal sentencing. This social […]

Racial Justice Meetup – June Edition

Racial Justice Advocates, It’s time for another RACIAL JUSTICE MEETUP of 2025! Guy Lang, our Justice-Impacted Communities Coordinator, will lead us in a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month edition of the Advocating While Black: The Experiences and Perspectives of Black […]

Social Work Meetup: Learn About Video Mitigation with Isacha Sandy

At this week’s meetup, Forensic Social Worker Isacha Sandy will share how she has created video mitigation in an accessible, budget-friendly way to help humanize clients facing legal systems. This session will explore core principles of effective storytelling, ethical considerations, […]

Deputy Holistic Defense Services Leader – Social Work Manager

Job Summary – Why you’ll love this position The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is seeking a collaborative and mission-driven Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Deputy to assist in the management and development of holistic services across Missouri. This is a leadership […]

Mitigation Specialist – Defense Social Worker #170135

As a Mitigation Specialist, you will serve clients in an assigned region, building relationships with community providers and overcoming barriers clients face in accessing services and the stigma of criminal legal involvement. Your key responsibilities include: Client Advocacy and Case […]