East River Legal Services (ERLS) is hiring a Community Advocacy Attorney for our Sioux Falls office, with a focus on outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness. ERLS is a non-profit law firm serving low-income individuals in the 33 Eastern South Dakota counties. East River Legal Services exists to better the lives of the over 56,000 people living in poverty in Eastern South Dakota. We prioritize services to our most vulnerable citizens, including our community's Veterans, older Americans (60+), people with disabilities, victims of crime, and all those facing financial insecurity.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Community Advocacy Attorney is responsible for supervising Street Outreach and services provided to unhoused applicants. The Community Advocacy Attorney will also participate in regular, reoccurring outreach with domestic violence organizations, Midwest Street Medicine, shelters, and other partner agencies. Additionally, the Community Advocacy Attorney will retain a small caseload (10-15 cases) acquired through the street outreach process that can be assisted through civil legal aid. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide high-quality legal representation or advice to clients in housing law, family law, public benefits, consumer, and other related matters in state court and administrative proceedings.
2. Handle a full range of litigation activities including drafting pleadings, conducting depositions, completing discovery, negotiations, motions practice, and representation of ERLS clients at trial;
3. Stay well-informed of the applicable laws and case laws as they develop and change to ensure that East River Legal Services is applying new laws properly;
4. Keep accurate records of case activities and provide the necessary information to meet reporting requirements;
5. Provide education and outreach to members of the community, service providers, and community organizations;
6. Work in collaboration with community organizations that provide rental assistance, domestic violence support, and other services available to assist our clients;
7. Maintain compliance with all program and grant requirements;
8. Complete the online SOAR training and participate in periodic SOAR follow-up training;
9. Advise intake staff on legal advice in critical situations;
10. Attend group case, legal department meetings, and supervisor meetings;
11. Other duties, which may be assigned from time to time by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

1. JD admitted to practice in South Dakota or be eligible for admission to the South Dakota State Bar;
2. Ability to spot legal issues in cases while providing real-time counsel, comfort, and advice;
3. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
4. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple clients and responsibilities;
5. Proficient at the use of technology including, but not limited to: word processing, spreadsheets, internet-based programs, database systems, and computer-based legal research;
6. Must be detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated;
7. Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently;
8. Excellent supervisory and leadership skills;
9. Ability to handle numerous tasks concurrently;
10. Knowledge of, and experience with, the Social Security Disability process preferred, but not required;
11. Knowledge of and experience with medical, social, mental illness, substance abuse, and vocational issues affecting people experiencing homelessness;
12. Skills and experience in interacting with persons of various social, racial, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds;
13. Willingness to work flexible hours, occasionally evenings and weekends;
14. Ability and commitment to travel, as needed.
15. Being bilingual is preferred, but not required.

Classification

 Classified as an exempt employee 

Salary

Starting at $66,420.00, depending on experience

Benefits include 14 paid holidays plus a birthday holiday, vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, IRA, and travel reimbursement.

ERLS’ Sioux Falls office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm.  We close from 12:00pm-1:00pm for lunch.

To Apply

     Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to: 

          Melissa Frericks

          Director of Operations

          East River Legal Services 

          335 North Main Avenue, Suite #200 

          Sioux Falls, SD  57104 

          Melissa@erlservices.org 

Submission Deadline

 Open until filled

East River Legal Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons of color, Veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.