What are the responsibilities and job description for the VLC Access to Justice Fellow position at University of South Carolina?
For Posting
Posting Number
RTF00017PO25
USC Market Title
Staff Attorney
Link to USC Market Title
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/176512
Business Title (Internal Title)
VLC Access to Justice Fellow
Campus
Columbia
Work County
Richland
College/Division
School of Law
Department
LAW Veterans Legal Clinic
Advertised Salary Range
$49,396 - $61,745 commensurate with experience
Location of Vacancy
Columbia, SC
Part/Full Time
Full Time
Hours per Week
37.5
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm with an hour for lunch each day
Type of Staff Position
Staff Time-Limited (STL)
Basis
12 months
Job Search Category
Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below
The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about UofSC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
South Carolina Retirement
Yes
State Insurance Programs
Yes
Annual Leave
Yes
Sick Leave
Yes
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law’s South Carolina Rural Access to Justice Fellowship (SCRAJ) funds recent law school graduates motivated to serve rural communities in our state. Working closely with the Faculty Director of the Veterans Legal Clinic (VLC), the SCRAJ Fellow will establish intake procedures for and client counseling sites in rural areas with significant unmet civil legal services needs. In addition to providing client direct representation in VLC’s core practice areas of veterans benefits appeals, discharge upgrades, and other income and housing stability matters, the Fellow will engage in broader activities such as advice and counsel and community legal education. Throughout this two-year fellowship, the SCRAJ Fellow will train and work under the limited supervision of the VLC Faculty Director, and collaborate with Clinic staff and students in person and remotely to reach underserved rural communities and deliver excellent legal services.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school. Must be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials
SC Bar certified
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Excellent writing and verbal communications skills.
Ability to travel and work independently in rural areas of the state.
Ability to collaborate with law school faculty, staff and students, and with community partners or site hosts.
Ability to work with diverse clients and host communities.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Represent, including through litigation and negotiation, low-income clients referred to VLC particularly clients from rural areas, in SSI and other income-stability, insurance/Medicaid access, food security, education, and housing-related matters.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
40
Job Duty
Collaborate effectively with clinic faculty and staff and community partners to conduct intake and provide excellent representation for VLC clients, as well as targeted community legal education and advice and counsel in rural communities.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
20
Job Duty
Utilizing case management software to promote efficiency and collaboration, maintain contemporaneous, organized electronic and hard copy records, including contemporaneous timekeeping records.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
10
Job Duty
Other responsibilities as needed to support program goals.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
5
Job Duty
Interview and evaluate the cases of low-income clients referred to VLC for health-harming legal needs, particularly clients from rural areas.
Essential Function
Yes
Percentage of Time
25
Position Attributes
Hazardous weather category
Non-Essential
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
08/16/2025
Position End Date
08/15/2027
Job Open Date
01/17/2025
Job Close Date
02/28/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by February 28, 2025.
Quicklink for Posting
https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/182412
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Salary : $49,396 - $61,745
