NOW RECRUITING: MSPD PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALISTS VISTA SUMMER ASSOCIATES
VISTA Summer Associates will increase the capacity of MSPD to provide public health interventions to our clients. Summer Associates will focus on evaluating and improving the impact of Missouri State Public Defender’s (MSPD) new Holistic Defense Services program on public health.
Specifically, VISTA summer associates will:
- Streamline procedures for improved MSPD assistance with clients applying for Medicaid, SNAP, and similar public benefits- working directly with staff, clients, and service providers;
- Collect data on MSPD-assisted client applications for Medicaid, SNAP, and similar public benefits;
- Evaluate data and follow up on potential client success stories; and
- Produce a report on the program’s public health impact and areas for improvement.
Some direct client services may also be included in the role.
Those seeking to positively impact the intersection of Missouri’s criminal legal system and its public health consequences are encouraged to join in these exciting efforts. Qualified candidates will be inquisitive, collaborative, resourceful, effective at expressing complex concepts, and hold a passion for public service. Preferred candidates will display effective leadership, organization, communication, and project management skills. Ideal candidates will have excellent attention to detail, an ability to collect and analyze data, and a passion to transform systems to positively impact public health where it is most needed.
This position will span from 6/19/23 to 8/15/23, and will be based in St. Louis; placement in other MSPD offices in Missouri may also be possible. Summer Associates will be provided an AmeriCorps living allowance during their service term, and be given the option of either an end-of-service stipend ($345.80) OR an AmeriCorps Summer Education Award ($1459.26).
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.
To apply for the position, visit the AmeriCorps opportunity listing here
NOW RECRUITING: MSPD HOLISTIC ADVOCATES
Missouri State Public Defender’s Holistic Defense Services team has partnered with AmeriCorps Missouri to pioneer a more holistic approach to public defense in Missouri. The holistic approach seeks to address the underlying needs and risk factors that so many of our clients share—which are often what led to their involvement in the criminal legal system in the first place.
Holistic Advocates will have the unique opportunity to participate in the launch of MSPD’s Holistic Defense Services program and truly impact the way Missouri’s criminal legal system works. Your efforts can help transform this system into one that is more humane and equitable and that recognizes all people deserve to be treated respectfully and with dignity.
Holistic Advocates will go into their local communities to build engagement with service providers and help connect our clients to available resources. Holistic Advocates will also work with attorneys to present our clients’ stories throughout their cases.
Specifically, AmeriCorps Missouri Holistic Advocates will be responsible for:
- Connecting clients to local resources for housing, mental health care, substance addiction treatment, transportation, etc.
- Helping clients get vital documents and services, such as IDs and health insurance, to create more stability in their lives
- Interviewing clients to learn about their background
- Interviewing family, friends, and support systems and collecting letters of support
- Drafting memos that present the client’s story
- Engaging with community partners to build relationships and address barriers
- Collecting data to track the impact of this work
Holistic Advocates will work within their local trial office and collaborate with attorneys, clients, and support staff, as well as with their regional and the statewide Holistic Defense Services team. Extensive training and support will be provided.
AmeriCorps
As part of the 2022-2023 AmeriCorps program, these positions are designed to end on or before 9/1/2023 (minimum hour requirements must be fulfilled prior to this date). Upon grant renewal for 2023-2024, MSPD will seek one-year commitments with part-time service terms available. Enrollment in the 2022-2023 service term carries the possibility of renewal in 2023-2024, subject to mutual agreement and AmeriCorps policies.
Required Minimum Education and Experience
High school graduation or equivalent; Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred. Preference for specialization in social work, psychology, sociology, or closely related field.
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 and should have strong writing and advocacy skills.
Living Stipend/Benefits
Candidates who are able to commit to serving roughly 40 hours a week until 9/1/2023 are preferred. Part-time service options are available at all listed service sites, please contact us for more information. Holistic Advocates are eligible for a living allowance, paid in regular bi-monthly increments; member health care coverage for full-time members who are not otherwise covered by a health care policy; a Segal AmeriCorps education award at the end of the term; and professional development training.
| Service Options | Min. Total Hour Commitment | Est. Annual Living Allowance | Est. Education Award Amount | Health Insurance Coverage |
| Full-time (unavailable until 2023-2024 term) | 1700 | $33,004 | $6,495.00 | Yes |
| Three quarter-time (unavailable until 2023-2024 term) | 1200 | $23,103 | $4,546.50 | No |
| Half-time | 900 | $16,502 | $3,247.50 | No |
| Reduced half-time | 675 | $12,542 | $2,474.27 | No |
| Quarter-time | 450 | $8,581 | $1,718.25 | No |
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.
Current Openings
Fulton and Kansas City
To Apply
To apply for the position, visit the AmeriCorps opportunity listing here.
NOW RECRUITING: ’23 MSPD Holistic Defense Development VISTAs
The Missouri State Public Defender (MSPD) is developing a more holistic approach to public defense– an approach addressing the needs and risk factors of clients outside the scope of traditional representation. The Holistic Defense Development VISTAs will work with attorneys, social workers, AmeriCorps Holistic Advocates, and MSPD leadership to increase MSPD’s capacity to address such needs and to play a crucial role in establishing a more holistic approach to public defense in Missouri. Results will include improving case outcomes, life outcomes, and the economic opportunity of our clients and their communities.
Specifically, VISTA members will:
- Develop an understanding of public defense and the problems afflicting MSPD clients
- Evaluate the current state of Holistic Defense Services by gathering and analyzing feedback and program data
- Maintain and build upon existing program partnerships, resources, guides and manuals
- Develop a framework for maintaining and expanding grant funding, training initiatives, and volunteer networks related to the holistic representation of MSPD clients, and more
Those who wish to have a positive impact on the criminal legal system and its intersection with poverty and social instability in Missouri are encouraged to join us in our effort to support our vulnerable community members and deliver a more equitable approach to the criminal legal system. Qualified candidates will be inquisitive, collaborative, resourceful, open-minded, effective at expressing complex concepts and hold a passion for public service. Preferred candidates will display effective leadership, organization, communication and project management skills. Ideal candidates will have excellent attention to detail, strong computer skills, and a general knowledge of statistics or data collection. The project will take place from 07/17/2023 to 07/172024 and offers service site flexibility throughout Missouri.
Full-time VISTA members will receive a living allowance for the duration of their service and a choice between an end-of-service-stipend or an AmeriCorps Education Award. 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.
To apply for the position, visit the AmeriCorps opportunity listing here