AmeriCorps Holistic Advocate

Nichols College; Dudley (MA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused educational institution in Dudley, MA is seeking a Holistic Advocate to support individuals involved in the criminal legal system. The role emphasizes connecting clients with vital resources and collaborating with attorneys to advocate for their needs. Ideal candidates are empathetic and organized, with a passion for public service. The position offers a living stipend and potential educational awards upon completion of service.

Benefits

Living allowance of $35,000

Segal AmeriCorps education award

Health care coverage available

Student loan deferment

Qualifications

• Must have a passion for public service.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse individuals.
• Resourcefulness and non-judgmental approach are essential.

Responsibilities

• Connect clients to vital resources.
• Help clients obtain essential documents and services.
• Conduct in-depth interviews to uncover clients' stories.
• Rally support from clients' loved ones and community.
• Build relationships with community partners.
• Collect and analyze data to track program impact.

Skills

Empathy

Organizational skills

Strong writing

Advocacy

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology

Job description

and the job listing Expires on October 1, 2025

JOIN OUR TEAM: SEEKING MSPD AMERICORPS HOLISTIC ADVOCATE

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.

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.
• 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

As part of the 2025-2026 AmeriCorps program, these positions are designed to span from 9/2/25-8/31/26, with the possibility of re-enrolling for a second service-term. We are seeking candidates interested in serving full-time, but less than full-time opportunities may be available.

Living Stipend/Benefits

Full-time members will receive a living allowance starting at $35,000 for the full year’s service. Upon successful completion of their service, members are eligible for a Segal AmeriCorps education award of roughly $7,395. Members serving less than full-time will receive a reduced living allowance and education award amount based on service-type.

Health care coverage is also available for full-time members who are not otherwise covered by a health care policy. All members are eligible for student loan deferment and
interest forbearance.

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. The placement of the Holistic Advocate is flexible and preferences will be discussed during interviews. MSPD is especially interested in placing Holistic Advocates in rural offices.

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 AmeriCorps opportunity listing . (We will only move forward with candidates who have submitted an application through the AmeriCorps portal.)