Holistic Defense Services Manager

Job Summary - Why you’ll love this position
The Missouri State Public Defender System (MSPD) is seeking a collaborative and mission-driven Holistic Defense Services (HDS) Manager (Central Region) to assist in the management and development of holistic services across Missouri. This is a leadership role reporting to the Director of Client Advocacy, responsible for helping lead and supervise the HDS unit in advancing MSPD’s commitment to providing client-centered, comprehensive representation alongside the other regional HDS Managers.
HDS works to address the underlying issues that lead to clients’ involvement in the criminal legal system—such as mental health, substance use, housing instability, and poverty—while supporting pretrial release efforts and mitigation advocacy. As HDS Manager, you will help supervise and support staff, shape best practices, and contribute to meaningful systemic change through data-informed services.

This position will be located in Southern or Central Missouri, with regular statewide travel required—particularly to offices in their assigned region.

Responsibilities - What you’ll do
Manage the Holistic Defense Services unit alongside the other regional HDS Managers
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate HDS staff, interns, and volunteers
Support the implementation of MSPD policies and goals throughout the system
Provide coaching and performance feedback, and assist in resolving personnel matters
Maintain a limited caseload as determined by the Director of Client Advocacy
Develop and support best practices for pretrial advocacy, mitigation, and reentry services
Participate in the collection and analysis of data to evaluate impact and guide improvements
Travel regularly to MSPD offices across the state to provide in-person support

Qualifications - All you need for success
Required Education and Experience:

-Master's in Social Work
-Licensure in Missouri (preferred, but not required)
-Experience in social work, particularly in forensic or holistic defense settings

Job Details - More reasons to love this position
This is a full-time position that can be based in Southern or Central Missouri. The successful candidate will receive competitive compensation and State of Missouri benefits that include a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Learn more about benefits at https://publicdefender.mo.gov/employment/working-for-mspd/benefits/ Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found https://pers.oa.mo.gov/applicants .