Rural Social Worker (Full-Time, Temporary 12-Month Position)

Hannibal and Union Offices

In-person/remote hybrid position; approximately 30% in-person, 70% remote

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (Legal Services), a non-profit law firm providing free, quality civil legal services to people living with low income/low opportunity, is seeking a full-time temporary Social Worker to work in its Hannibal and Union offices for one year.

Responsibilities 

Crisis Intervention and Case Management– Hannibal & Union Offices:

• Provide crisis intervention and case management services – via telephone or in person – to rural clients, including initial assessment, safety planning, resource provision, and referral, as needs are identified by rural office team members
• Collaborate with clients to develop and implement action plans to resolve crises and address unmet needs 
• Connect clients to community resources and advocate for clients within social service delivery system
• Liaise with other service providers in collaboration with the client to ensure continuity of services
• Foster positive working relationships between lawyers and clients
• Provide advocacy and non-legal support to clients aimed at helping them to remain engaged in legal representation and achieve favorable outcomes
• Effectively case note and case plan in LegalServer and debrief rural teams

Relationship Building & Rural Outreach – Hannibal & Union Offices:

• Assist Union and Hannibal Offices with the on-going development and implementation of outreach plans for their respective service areas
• Participate in community outreach activities through the development of collaborative partnerships, community presentations, client education, health fairs, and visits to community agencies and service providers
• Advance the mission of LSEM through membership in rural affinity and networking groups, such as the Franklin County Service Providers, Franklin County Systems of Care, and county Continuum of Care organizations
• Work to reduce stigma and barriers to service that rural clients face by building relationships with key community stakeholders, such as government personnel, police, landlords, and school officials
• Develop and maintain networking relationships with rural bar associations and with local, state, and federal governments agencies that serve the rural client populations

The Social Worker may be responsible for other duties as assigned.

• Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred
• Ability to build relationships with clients and community programs across lines of difference, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, and citizenship status
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing trauma-informed and healing-centered interventions
• Ability to work collaboratively with others – internally and externally – especially across disciplines
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office and able to quickly learn new systems
• Must have reliable transportation- although this position is mostly remote, reliable transportation is required for in-person client meetings, community outreach, and/or court appearances (mileage reimbursement is provided)

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. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary & Benefits Information

The pay rate for this position starts at $26.40/hour. The specific hourly rate offered to a candidate will be determined by years of relevant experience. This temporary position is not eligible for benefits.

Submission Deadline

Applications are due by April 20, 2026.

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 hr@lsem.org. Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.