NLADA Community Partnership VISTA

The Santa Cruz County Office of the Public Defender (PDO) began operations on July 1, 2022, with a mission to courageously defend the accused; to demand equal justice for all; and to empower our clients with inspired advocacy in the courtroom and community. PDO is committed to strong courtroom advocacy while addressing the practical challenges that affect case outcomes and long‑term stability. To meet this goal, PDO uses a whole‑person defense model that integrates legal representation with client support services. This approach begins at the earliest point of contact with law enforcement and continues through case resolution, reentry, and post‑conviction relief. By addressing factors such as housing instability, access to treatment, and economic barriers, PDO works to improve case outcomes and reduce repeat system involvement. PDO’s multidisciplinary teams include attorneys, investigators, and client support staff who collaborate to ensure clients receive timely and effective representation. Services extend beyond the courtroom to include record clearance, resentencing support, and assistance navigating the collateral consequences of system involvement. PDO is continuing to build and refine its model in a jurisdiction that historically relied on a more traditional approach to representation that did not consider the upstream causes to legal system involvement. As one of the first Holistic Public Defense offices in California it also serves as a practical example for other counties exploring expanded public defense models. PDO is seeking an NLADA VISTA volunteer to support the continued development and implementation of Project R.I.S.E. in order to reduce the barriers to reentry for individuals exiting custody.

Member Duties

Map local and national resources available to support individuals leaving a period of incarceration

Support collateral consequences team activities with draft motions, research and court filings

Learn about local resources used by the Holistic division to support client population

Conduct Needs Assessment to understand challenges faced by leaving individuals custody

Connect with local county and community partners

Strengthen networks for reentry support

Produce a draft map of available resources for reentry

Draft outline and finalize a Project R.I.S.E. practice guide

Develop a referral process to connect clients with resources

Program Benefits
Stipend, Training, Living Allowance, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend, Relocation Allowance, Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health Coverage*.

For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/.

Terms
Permits working at another job during off hours, Car recommended, Permits attendance at school during off hours.

Service Areas
Ex-Offender Reentry, Community Outreach.

Skills
Team Work, Community Organization, Communications, General Skills, Social Services, Writing/Editing.

Program Information
Program Type: AmeriCorps VISTA
Program: NLADA Community Partnership VISTA
Program Start/End Date: 07/13/2026 - 07/13/2027
Work Schedule: Full Time
Education level: Some college
Age Requirement: Minimum: 18, Maximum: None
Program Locations: CALIFORNIA
Languages: Spanish
Accepting Applications: From 04/23/2026 To 05/01/2026

Contact
Suzanne Willis
420 May Ave
Santa Cruz CA 95060
8314545300

Listing ID 129386

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