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AmeriCorps MSPD Holistic Advocates

Missouri State Public Defender’s Holistic Defense Services team has partnered with AmeriCorps Missouri to pioneer a more holistic approach to public defense in Missouri. The holistic approach seeks to address the underlying needs and risk factors that so many of our clients share—which are often what led to their involvement in the criminal legal system in the first place.

Holistic Advocates will have the unique opportunity to participate in the launch of MSPD’s Holistic Defense Services program and truly impact the way Missouri’s criminal legal system works. Your efforts can help transform this system into one that is more humane and equitable and that recognizes all people deserve to be treated respectfully and with dignity.

Holistic Advocates will go into their local communities to build engagement with service providers and help connect our clients to available resources. Holistic Advocates will also work with attorneys to present our clients’ stories throughout their cases.

Specifically, AmeriCorps Missouri Holistic Advocates will be responsible for:
  • Connecting clients to local resources for housing, mental health care, substance addiction treatment, transportation, etc.
  • Helping clients get vital documents and services, such as IDs and health insurance, to create more stability in their lives
  • Interviewing clients to learn about their background
  • Interviewing family, friends, and support systems and collecting letters of support
  • Drafting memos that present the client’s story
  • Engaging with community partners to build relationships and address barriers
  • Collecting data to track the impact of this work

Holistic Advocates will work within their local trial office and collaborate with attorneys, clients, and support staff, as well as with their regional and the statewide Holistic Defense Services team. Extensive training and support will be provided.

AmeriCorps
As part of the 2022-2023 AmeriCorps program, these positions are designed to end on or before 9/1/2023 (minimum hour requirements must be fulfilled prior to this date). Upon grant renewal for 2023-2024, MSPD will seek one-year commitments with part-time service terms available. Enrollment in the 2022-2023 service term carries the possibility of renewal in 2023-2024, subject to mutual agreement and AmeriCorps policies.

Required Minimum Education and Experience
  • High school graduation or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • Preference for specialization in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field.
  • Qualified candidates will be empathetic, resourceful, non-judgmental, organized, and will have a passion for public service.
  • Candidates must have an ability to build rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and identities and should have strong writing and advocacy skills.

Living Stipend/Benefits
Candidates who are able to commit to serving roughly 40 hours a week until 9/1/2023 are preferred. Holistic Advocates are eligible for a living allowance, paid in regular bi-monthly increments; member health care coverage for full-time members who are not otherwise covered by a health care policy; a Segal AmeriCorps education award at the end of the term; and professional development training.