AmeriCorps Holistic Advocate: Transform Public Defense

Missouri State Public Defender; Fulton (MO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living allowance

Education award (Segal AmeriCorps)

Student loan deferment

Interest forbearance

Job summary

Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) seeks Holistic Advocates to join the AmeriCorps Missouri program, engaging with clients in the criminal legal system and connecting them to housing, health care, and other essential services.

Advocates work with MSPD attorneys to share clients’ stories and collaborate with community partners. Service spans 2026–2027, with flexible placement across the state and full-time or reduced hours as discussed.

Qualifications

• Empathetic, resourceful, non-judgmental, and organized with a passion for public service.
• Ability to build rapport and trust with people from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Strong writing and advocacy skills are beneficial for this role.

Responsibilities

• Connecting clients to vital resources (housing, mental health, substance use treatment, transportation).
• Helping clients obtain IDs and health insurance to reduce barriers and increase stability.
• Uncovering client stories through in-depth interviews to provide a holistic perspective.
• Collecting letters of support from loved ones to amplify client voices.
• Building relationships with community partners to ensure access to needed support.
• Collecting and analyzing data to track the impact of the work.

Skills

Empathetic

Resourceful

Non-judgmental

Organized

Writing skills

Advocacy skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) seeks Holistic Advocates to join the AmeriCorps Missouri program, engaging with clients in the criminal legal system and connecting them to housing, health care, and other essential services.

Advocates work with MSPD attorneys to share clients’ stories and collaborate with community partners. Service spans 2026–2027, with flexible placement across the state and full-time or reduced hours as discussed.