MSPD Holistic Advocates

Do you want to help make a difference in the lives of people involved in the criminal legal system? The Missouri State Public Defender’s Holistic Defense Services Program has teamed up with AmeriCorps Missouri to pioneer a groundbreaking holistic approach to public defense. This approach tackles the root causes of our clients’ involvement in the criminal legal system and helps to break the cycle of criminalization. As a Holistic Advocate, you will play a vital role in growing MSPD’s Holistic Defense Services Program, helping to shape the future of Missouri’s criminal legal system. Your dedication and passion will drive the transformation of a system that values compassion, fairness, and the inherent worth of every individual. Holistic Advocates will step into Missouri communities and engage with local service providers to connect clients to essential resources and services – which can help us get clients out of jail and back to their families and communities. Advocates will also collaborate closely with attorneys to help share their clients’ meaningful and powerful stories in their cases. MSPD has 33 trial offices across the state of Missouri. The placement of the Holistic Advocate is flexible and will be decided upon after discussion between the candidate and the Holistic Defense Services Leader. We currently have Holistic Advocates serving in West Plains, Springfield, Fulton, St. Charles, Carthage, St. Joseph, Harrisonville, and Jackson. Other potential locations include Maryville, Nevada, Monett, Sedalia, Chillicothe, Hannibal, Ava, Portageville, Union, Farmington, Lebanon, Bolivar, and Jefferson City. Maximum allowed AmeriCorps living allowance provided. Member Duties Connecting clients to a wide range of vital resources, from housing and mental health care to substance use treatment and transportation. Helping clients obtain essential documents and services, like IDs and health insurance, to help eliminate barriers and create more stability. Uncovering the untold stories of clients through in-depth interviews, delving into their backgrounds to provide a holistic perspective that truly represents their journey. Rallying support from their loved ones and community by engaging with family, friends, and support systems, while collecting impactful letters of support that amplify our clients’ voices. Building relationships with community partners to break down barriers and ensure that clients have access to the support that they need. Program Benefits Training Education award upon successful completion of service Living Allowance Health Coverage Childcare assistance if eligible Terms Car recommended Permits working at another job during off hours Permits attendance at school during off hours Service Areas Health Community and Economic Development Hunger Ex-Offender Reentry Community Outreach Homelessness Housing Veterans Public Safety Skills Law Team Work Social Services Writing/Editing Counseling Program Details Program Type: AmeriCorps State & National Program: MSPD Holistic Advocates Program Start/End Date: 09/02/2025 - 08/28/2026 Work Schedule: Full Time Education Level: High school diploma/GED Age Requirement: Minimum 18 Location: MISSOURI Languages: English Accepting Applications: From 08/01/2022 To 06/10/2026 Contact: Alex Lubbe 1000 West Nifong Columbia, MO 65203 View phone number on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io publicdefender.mo.gov #J-18808-Ljbffr AmeriCorps