HDS Deputy

Holistic Defense Services Deputy

The Holistic Defense Services (“HDS”) Deputy is a management position reporting directly to the HDS Leader. The HDS Deputy will help in all aspects of managing the HDS unit with specific responsibilities to be determined by the HDS Leader based on the needs of the unit.

HDS is responsible for assisting MSPD offices across the state with the underlying issues that have led to their clients’ contact with the criminal legal system, with overcoming obstacles to obtaining pre-trial release, and with presenting mitigation information to be used pretrial, in negotiation, and at sentencing. The HDS Leader and Deputy are responsible for developing and executing best practices in providing these services and for collecting and analyzing data on the impact that providing these services has on clients.

The HDS Deputy will assist the HDS Leader in communicating and implementing MSPD goals and policies and will assume all responsibilities of the HDS Leader when they are absent or unavailable. This individual will assist the HDS Leader in coaching, mentoring, reviewing, and supervising the performance of all employees, volunteers, and interns in the office; in all administrative responsibilities; and in personnel matters. Based upon the needs of the office, the HDS Leader will determine the size of the caseload to be assigned to the Deputy, who will handle it in an exemplary manner.

The HDS Deputy preferred location is in Columbia, MO, or Kansas City, MO, but other locations will be considered. HDS Deputy will need to travel to other MSPD offices across the state on a regular basis, with an emphasis on in person support for offices in Western Missouri.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (This job description does not include specific physical requirements necessary to perform the job, such as, carrying, standing, and lifting.  Such requirements vary from position to position and may be determined by the hiring authority).

  • Knowledge of criminal law and procedure, including issues involving mental health and competency
  • Considerable knowledge of the intersection of criminal defense and social work, the collateral consequences of criminal charges and convictions, mitigation practice, and the services available to help advocate for clients’ legal and related social needs
  • Knowledge of the organization, functions, responsibilities and procedures of MSPD is preferred
  • Knowledge of effective supervisory and management technique
  • Strong operational skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, judges, attorneys, court officials and the public

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will be a licensed attorney in the state of Missouri who has substantial experience in the field of forensic social work and/or holistic defense and has Clinical Licensure in Missouri.

Applications being sought from:

  • Candidates with a Masters in Social Work; Candidates with Clinical Licensure in Missouri; Attorneys licensed to practice law in the state of Missouri or eligible to be licensed in Missouri
  • All candidates must have experience in the field of social work; Social work experience in the criminal legal system and/or related to mental and behavioral health, poverty, housing instability, and outreach strongly preferred
  • Management experience preferred

SALARY:

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range is $6,250 – $7,779/month.