Holistic Advocate

JOIN OUR TEAM: SEEKING MSPD AMERICORPS 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, connect clients to resources, and provide peer support services, if applicable. 

Are you ready to make an impact? Apply to join our dynamic team of Holistic Advocates today! 

As a Holistic Advocate, you will join us in the fight for justice by:  

• 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.
• Crafting compelling memos that weave together the narratives of our clients, showcasing their unique experiences and circumstances.
• Building relationships with community partners to break down barriers and ensure that clients have access to the support that they need.
• Embracing data-driven impact by collecting and analyzing valuable data to track the transformative effects of our work, paving the way for evidence-based change.

Holistic Advocates will join a passionate team that thrives on collaboration, as you work closely with attorneys, clients, and support staff in your local trial office. Plus, Advocates will gain invaluable guidance and extensive training from our regional and statewide Holistic Defense Services team.

Required Minimum Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred. A specialization in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field will be favored. 

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. Strong writing and advocacy skills will also be beneficial for this role. 

Service Period

All positions are contingent on the receipt of funding for the 2026-2027 grant year.

As part of the 2026-2027 AmeriCorps program, these positions are designed to span from 9/1/26-8/31/27, with the possibility of re-enrolling for a second service-term. 

Living Stipend/Benefits

Full-time AmeriCorps Holistic Advocates will be eligible for $2,916.66/month (before taxes) living allowance, paid in regular bi-monthly increments; a $7,395.00 education award upon successful completion of service; and professional development training, including support to gain peer specialist certification, if applicable.

For a more comprehensive look at AmeriCorps State benefits, visit AmeriCorps Member Benefits.

Many universities offer scholarships, application fee waivers, and other benefits to AmeriCorps members. You can find school-specific details on the Schools of National Service list.

Potential Placement Locations

MSPD has 33 trial offices across the state of Missouri. The placement of the Holistic Advocate is possible throughout the state, including St. Joseph, Kansas City, Harrisonville, Nevada, Jackson, Monett, Bolivar, Chillicothe, Kirksville, Hannibal, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Troy, Lebanon, Ava, West Plains, Farmington, Portageville, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Other locations across the state may be possible upon discussion.

APPLY TODAY!

If this exciting opportunity to help transform public defense and make a profound impact in the lives of Missourians sounds like a good fit, then don’t wait to apply. Submit your application through the My AmeriCorps - Home Page.