Housing Advocate / Social Worker

Housing Advocate / Social Worker
Housing and Consumer Programs

In person/remote hybrid work option available

Job Summary:
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm providing free civil legal services to clients living with low-income and limited opportunity, seeks a full-time Housing Advocate to assist clients who are facing eviction. The Housing Advocate will be a part of LSEM’s Housing and Consumer Law Programs and will work with low-income individuals and families to promote housing access and prevent homelessness.

Responsibilities:
-Provide housing-focused advocacy and support to clients receiving legal services for eviction matters aimed at helping them to maintain or access permanent housing
-Conduct social assessments, including risk assessments, on new clients entering case load
-Develop case plans and stabilization goals through assessment tools that support client confidence, self-protection and personal ownership
-Assist clients with financial assistance applications and housing search and placement; connect clients to community resources
-Assist clients with accessing employment and public benefits such as LIHEAP, Food Stamps, Medicaid, and SSI/SSDI as appropriate
-Advocate for clients within the social service delivery system; help clients to understand and exercise their rights within this system
-Conduct training, education, and outreach with community partners to increase referrals and awareness about program services
-Engage with prospective clients at LSEM outreach tables located outside of the housing dockets in St. Louis City and County courts
-Maintain case files and client records in accordance with agency and funder requirements
-Track project activities and outcomes for purposes of reporting to funders, enter client-level data into applicable record management systems, and assist with grant reporting
-Participate in community and provider meetings as appropriate
-Use social work skill set to contribute to and move mezzo- and macro-level projects undertaken by the Housing and Consumer Law Programs forward
-Assist with other tasks as assigned or needed

Who we are:
LSEM advances justice through legal representation, education, and supportive services. We partner with the community to improve lives, promote fairness and create opportunities for those in need. Since 1956, LSEM has provided high-quality civil legal assistance and equal access to justice for low-income people in 21 counties in Missouri. We accomplish our mission through systemic advocacy/impact litigation and individual case work in a wide range of substantive civil areas which are in our priorities, e.g., family law for victims of domestic violence, prevention of homelessness/housing, health, public benefits, consumer, education, disability, community economic development, and immigration. As part of our community education/outreach efforts, LSEM works with over 150 agencies and participates in over 35 task forces/coalitions. LSEM also has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Salary & Benefits Information:
Salary range is $50,000-$75,000 with MSW and $46,000-68,000 without MSW. Specific salary within the range will be determined by years of experience. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Work from Home policy, a generous time off policy, 12 weeks Parental Leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending account.

Submission Deadline: Applications will be considered until position is filled.