Staff Attorney

Staff Attorney

THE ORGANIZATION 

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of  low-income and underserved individuals. NHeLP engages in national, state, and local advocacy efforts, including analyses of federal and state laws, policy advocacy,  litigation, continuing legal education, and individual technical support. We work with  lawyers and advocates, community-based entities, federal and state policymakers,  health care providers, and clients. 

NHeLP is committed to health equity — ensuring that everyone can achieve the highest attainable standard of health — and to cultivating an internal environment that empowers an exceptional and diverse staff. For more information, see our Equity  Stance. NHeLP particularly encourages Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women,  the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and others whose backgrounds may  contribute to the effective representation of low-income people and underserved  communities to apply. 

THE TEAM 

The attorney hired for this position initially will split their time between two of NHeLP’s  Practice Areas. Practice Areas are teams that focus on particular subject matter areas  that are significant to NHeLP’s Strategic Priorities. The four Practice Areas to which this  attorney may be assigned are Delivery Systems; Disability; Eligibility, Enrollment &  Retention; and Services. The work of the Practice Areas involves policy advocacy,  research and analysis, and education in the subject matter focus of the Practice Area.  This work intersects with the work of other Practice Areas, including Sexual and  Reproductive Health and with NHeLP’s Strategy Areas: Litigation & Enforcement, 

Federal Advocacy, California Policy. The combined efforts of the Strategy and Practice  Areas move us toward achieving NHeLP’s Strategic Priorities.  

THE POSITION 

NHeLP is seeking a full-time, experienced attorney with substantive expertise in  Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The position will involve a broad range of  research and policy and administrative advocacy to protect and improve access to  health care for low income people and underserved communities. In collaboration with  NHeLP staff, the attorney will create legal, policy, and advocacy strategies for  advancing equity and access to quality health care through the work of their assigned  Practice Areas. The attorney will have a voice in shaping NHeLP’s priorities in these  areas. The attorney’s focus may change over time to advance NHeLP’s Strategic  Priorities in response to shifting policy and political landscape.  

The ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge of Medicaid, the ACA, and  civil rights law at the national or state level and have experience as a health advocate.  This candidate will think proactively and strategically; have an interest in and willingness  to listen and learn in partnership with other NHeLP staff and advocates in other  organizations; demonstrate leadership, communication, research, and writing skills; and  be able to work individually and in teams. The ideal candidate will have experience  working within underserved communities and will demonstrate an understanding of the  issues that impact people with low income, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with  disabilities, and other underserved populations. 

Apply Here

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Legal and Policy Research, Analysis, and Writing (30%) 

  • Research Medicaid laws, administrative guidance, and case law;
  • Analyze state and federal legislation, regulations, and other policies as they  impact Medicaid, the ACA, and other low-income health care programs.;
  • Develop publications, including fact sheets, issue briefs, blog posts,  memoranda, and correspondence concerning legal and policy developments,  legislation, and regulations concerning Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and other issues in NHeLP’s priority areas. 

Policy Advocacy (30%) 

  • Advocate with policymakers and coalition partners on substantive issues;
  • Attend policy meetings, advisory groups, and other policymaking forums to  provide direct input and feedback on health care policies.

Partner with other advocacy organizations (30%) 

  • Participate in collaborative, coalition, and other advocacy groups and engage with stakeholders; 
  • Provide technical assistance and education requested by advocates, agencies, and other individuals; and 
  • Conduct trainings and presentations for advocates. 

Administrative and other responsibilities (10%) 

  • Write grant reports on work and document timekeeping; 
  • Participate in internal meetings and working groups; 
  • Collaborate with development, communication, and operations teams to  accomplish the organization’s strategic priorities; and 
  • Actively engage in strategic development, work planning, and collaboration  across teams. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school with bar admission to at least one  state 
  • Strong interest in administrative, public benefits, and civil rights law;
  • At least 4 years of relevant legal services experience. The ideal range is between 5-7 years of relevant legal experience;
  • Commitment to the representation of low-income and underserved populations;
  • Commitment to NHeLP’s mission and values, including diversity, equity, and  inclusion; and 
  • Ability to travel occasionally to meetings, conferences, and/or staff retreats,  including cross-country travel. 

MUST-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCES 

  • Knowledge of health law, regulatory and administrative advocacy, Medicaid and  the Affordable Care Act; 
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills; 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; 
  • Ability to work independently, show initiative, and work collaboratively in teams;
  • Ability to consistently integrate a deep understanding of key racial equity  concepts into work projects and interactions by addressing structural  implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on  race, class and other group identities within the context of job responsibilities  and projects. 
  • Commitment to NHeLP’s mission and values 

NICE TO HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCES 

  • Direct service experience 

COMPENSATION 

Compensation is competitive with other public interest organizations and commensurate  with experience. The salary for a candidate with a J.D. and 5 years of experience is  $88,707; with 6 years of experience is $94,074; and for someone with 7 years of  experience is $99,765. Generous benefits are available, including employer-paid  medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, pre-tax savings plans, and a retirement  savings opportunity. NHeLP also offers generous paid time off, including holidays, sick  time, personal time, paid family and medical leave for eligible employees, 150 hours (20  days) of vacation per year, and more. 

This position is remote but will require some travel for meetings and events as national  health and safety conditions allow. 

HOW TO APPLY: 

Qualified applicants should submit an application with a cover letter and resume on our careers page.  

No phone calls please, except for reasonable accommodation requests. If a reasonable  accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process,  please contact us at: [email protected] or at 919-968-6308 or 202-289-7661. 

Apply Here

DEADLINE:  

July 10, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis if received later). 

NHeLP advocates to advance the health rights of many populations that have  traditionally lacked legal protection, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+  individuals, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. To  promote social justice and best achieve our mission, NHeLP is committed to creating a  diverse and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued.  NHeLP is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work  environment and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified applicants. 

For more information, please visit: www.healthlaw.org.

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