The Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) is dedicated to providing legal representation to citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri who cannot afford an attorney. MSPD operates statewide through district offices that are strategically located throughout the state, offering opportunities to work in diverse settings, from urban areas like Kansas City and St. Louis to more rural environments. With a team of about 700 professionals, including over 400 attorneys, MSPD handles diverse caseloads. Training is a top priority and MSPD ensures continuous professional development with distinguished, nationally recognized trial skills courses that equip public defenders for their commitment to justice.
The Assistant Training Director is responsible for assisting in the effective development, coordination, and presentation of training and development programs for all employees within the Missouri State Public Defender system. The role includes assessing system-wide developmental needs, identifying suitable training solutions, creatively designing and implementing methods to enhance employee performance, and supporting the Training Director.
- Key Responsibilities:
Professional Development:
- Stay updated on changes in law, trends in criminal defense, and the latest training techniques.
- Remain knowledgeable about adult learning principles, training needs assessments, instructional design, methods of evaluating training impact, and performance consulting.
Systemwide Employee Development Planning:
- Conduct regular formal and informal training needs assessments for all MSPD employees.
- Align training goals and curriculum with system goals and job expectations in consultation with director and division directors.
Program Design & Implementation:
- Design and implement effective in-house and web-based training programs for various employee groups, including new and experienced attorneys, defender leaders, and core staff.
- Determine the frequency and focus of training programs in consultation with division directors, considering employee turnover, new developments in law, and budget constraints.
- Handle or oversee logistics for training programs, including facility contracts, room setup, A/V coordination, meal planning, faculty selection, lodging, billing, and expense reimbursements.
Trainer Selection & Development:
- Select faculty for MSPD programs and recommend employees for trainer positions in non-MSPD programs.
- Identify and develop employees with the necessary expertise and communication skills to become effective trainers.
Coordination of Non-MSPD Training Opportunities:
- Monitor and publicize relevant external training opportunities for MSPD employees.
- Approve and coordinate attendance for external training programs, ensuring fair distribution of training resources.
Evaluation of Training Impact:
- Conduct regular evaluations of training programs and use feedback to continuously improve training offerings.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Assist with training budget planning and monitoring expenditures.
- Ensure compliance with MSPD and Missouri State policies and procedures in all training activities.
Training Portal & Resource Development:
- Maintain and oversee the MSPD training portal and resources, ensuring accessibility and availability for employees. Help update and develop resources such as motion banks, expert databases, and other litigation resources.
Required Minimum Education & Experience: - Must be an attorney with at least five years of successful experience in the public defender system for internal candidates; Equivalent public or criminal defense experience for external candidates.
- Previous teaching/training experience and proven ability to lead and foster mentoring relationships.
- Outstanding organizational, verbal, and written skills.
This is a full-time position based in Columbia.
This position reports to the Training Director and supports the Training Director in all aspects of training and development within the Missouri State Public Defender system.
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 .
