Staff Attorney- Public Benefits

Staff Attorney
Public Benefits

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a Staff Attorney to work in its Public Benefits program, one of three teams in LSEM’s Health & Welfare Unit.

The Public Benefits program assists families, seniors, and disabled individuals with navigating public benefits programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

The Staff Attorney will be responsible for representing clients in matters before the Missouri Department of Social Services. The attorney will also participate in systemic work, including administrative advocacy and impact litigation.

Responsibilities:
-Legal case management
-Negotiate with State Agency representatives to resolve public benefits access issues
-Represent clients in the administrative appellate process, including at state fair hearings and circuit court appeals
-Participate in multi-sector advocacy efforts to improve public benefits policies and practices

Qualifications:
-JD and admitted to practice in Missouri (or eligible to be admitted)
-Previous experience working in public benefits preferred
-Previous experience working with the low-income community preferred
-Desire to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team
-Strong communication, research, writing, and advocacy skills
-Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office

What we do:
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 and has a vibrant Volunteer Lawyers Program.

Who we are:
At Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, we embrace a culture that celebrates and promotes the many backgrounds, heritages, and perspectives of our colleagues and clients. We seek to hire individuals from a variety of backgrounds, who are professional, collaborative, and creative thinkers with a passion for our mission, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will make employment decisions based on merit.

How to Apply:
Upload your resume and cover letter through our online application at https://hcm.paycor.com/l/r/A768B6BE. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary & Benefits Information:
The salary range for this position is $66,000-$99,000. Specific salary offered to a candidate will be based on their experience. There are opportunities for advancement, including raises. Excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, a generous time off policy (starting at 4 weeks per year), 11 paid holidays, 12 weeks paid parental leave, 403(b) and 401(a) retirement plans, long-term disability and life insurance, employee assistance plan, and flexible spending accounts.

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

Equal access to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s office is available. Those applicants requiring accommodation to the interview/application process should contact Human Resources at the e-mail [email protected]. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.