Justice in Aging seeks a strategic, dynamic attorney to join our Washington, D.C. office. The successful candidate will help lead our strong, respected, and effective health team.  S/he will work with our team to develop and implement new projects and initiatives that improve access to health care and long term services and supports for low-income older adults across the country.  The Directing Attorney will lead our health team and work closely with our Executive Director, Communications Director, and Development Director.

Justice in Aging (formerly the National Senior Citizens Law Center) is a 43-year-old non-profit organization with staff and offices in Oakland and Los Angeles, CA, as well as in Washington, D.C. We have a rich tradition of successful, high-impact, strategic advocacy on behalf of the more than 6 million seniors living in poverty in America. We are working to continue that tradition for the years and decades to come, and are seeking an exceptional advocate and leader to help us in that cause.

Please submit applications by May 1. Target start date is June 1, 2015.

Background

Since 1972, Justice in Aging has used the power of law and our expertise in government safety net programs like Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and SSI to fight senior poverty.  Our staff works tirelessly to preserve and strengthen these programs so that low-income older adults can live with dignity and independence, free from the worry that poverty or the lack of health care can bring.

Our health team seeks to ensure that low-income older adults understand and have access to affordable health care benefits and that more people receive long-term care at home and in the community.  Currently, the team is focused on:

  • Helping poor seniors qualify for programs that help cover health care costs
  • Building a health care and LTSS delivery system that honors choice, includes strong consumer protections, and provides opportunities to receive services at home and in the community
  • Ensuring programs and services are delivered without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, language ability, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or other potential disadvantage

To achieve its objectives, the team uses administrative and legislative advocacy and litigation as well as provides education and counseling to local advocates who work with older adults.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the prioritization and advancement of Justice in Aging’s health advocacy agenda in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Some travel will be required.

  • Lead the development and implementation of our health advocacy priorities, work plans, and strategy
  • Work with the health team to create new projects and initiatives; and team with the Executive Director and Development Director to shape new project ideas into proposals for new funding
  • Work with the Communications Director to develop media and/or social media strategies to advance health and LTSS policy objectives
  • Represent Justice in Aging at DC-based coalition meetings, policy briefings, conferences, and other events
  • Advance Justice in Aging policy objectives through contact with staff of state and federal agencies and/or members of Congress or their staff
  • Establish and maintain relationships with outside entities such as other national or local legal groups, aging network members, state-based advocates
  • Oversee and assist health team members in the preparation of comments, position papers, issue briefs, letters, written testimony, news items, informational alerts and trainings
  • Respond to queries and requests for help from local advocates

Requirements

  • A J.D.
  • At least 7 years of experience working for a consumer, legal, association, or other non-profit in a similar capacity
  • Creative thinker with experience developing and implementing new advocacy projects to fill existing and emerging needs in underserved communities
  • Capacity to manage multiple projects and people simultaneously
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to lead, work as part of a team, and build external relationships
  • Thorough understanding of both national and state legislative and regulatory processes
  • Effective speaking, presentation, and writing skills

Desired

  • Washington, DC-based experience in health policy, especially in Medicare, Medicaid or home and community based services
  • Passion for the poor and the aged, with a desire to provide assistance to underserved populations
  • Experience partnering with organizations serving diverse populations and/or working with communities of color
  • Experience working directly with government agency leadership, funders, and/or boards of directors

Justice in Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We particularly encourage applications from members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, the LGBT community and others whose background may contribute to more effective representation of low-income people and underserved communities.

Justice in Aging offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental and life insurance; flexible reimbursement plan; 403(b) retirement savings plan; personal days; and generous vacation policy.

To Apply: Send cover letter, résumé, one writing sample, and three professional references to Katrina Cohens, kcohens@justiceinaging.org.  No calls please.