Program Start/End Date: April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Members may be eligible to continue their service for two additional one-year terms.
Schedule: Full Time
Education Level: JD/Law Grad
New Mexico Legal Aid has received a multi-state grant from AmeriCorps to host one-year AmeriCorps members to facilitate the medical-legal partnership (MLP) program serving American Indians and Alaskan Natives throughout the US. 14 members will be recruited throughout the US as follows: six attorneys in Alaska (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Nome, Sitka), four attorneys in Oklahoma (Tahlequah), and one attorney in each Arizona (Phoenix), Nebraska (Omaha), New Mexico (Albuquerque) and Utah (Montezuma Creek). Locations still available include: Alaska (various), Phoenix, AZ, Tahlequah, OK and Monument Valley, UT. AmeriCorps Attorney Member position is open until filled, and in place for one year. Members may be eligible to continue their service for two additional one-year terms.
Practice Areas: Children's Rights, Consumer Protection/Debt/Bankruptcy, Disability Law/Rights, Education, Elder Law, Employment/Labor, Family Law, General Legal Services, Health Law, Housing/Landlord-Tenant, Juvenile Issues, LGBTQ, Litigation, Native American/Indian/Tribal Law, Poverty, Probate/Trust & Estate Issues, Public Benefits/Social Security, Racial Justice Issues, Women's Rights
Member Description
AmeriCorps member will offer trainings for health providers and comprehensive legal assistance for low-income patients at partnering hospital or health clinic serving tribes. By focusing on cases that promote income growth, housing stability, and personal safety, the MLP uses legal advocacy as a tool to address social determinants of health.
The AmeriCorps Member will provide direct legal assistance to low-income patients at local hospital/clinic. Areas of legal advocacy include public benefits, housing, special education, domestic violence, elder law, family law, and consumer law. The AmeriCorps Member will be an attorney authorized to practice in state and/or tribal court, and before administrative agencies. The AmeriCorps Member will be responsible for providing periodic trainings and presentations to providers at medical facilities, as well as for regularly consulting with medical providers.
Although AmeriCorps members will work independently at their local location, member will be part of a national collaborative network of members to improve social determinants of health for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Each member will have a local litigation supervisor for day-to-day activities. Project support will be provided by the MLP Project Director, including monthly conference calls and AmeriCorps updates.
Living Allowance:
The AmeriCorps Member will receive an annual living allowance. Additionally, members will receive a Segal Education Award, health insurance, eligible for child care benefit program and other benefits.
Other Benefits Provided:
• Health and dental insurance provided and low cost vision plan available
• Life and disability insurance provided
• Parking provided
• Position related travel reimbursement and bar dues provided
• Travel to initial Boot Camp for week long training in Albuquerque, NM
Member placement is contingent upon ability to pass AmeriCorps, State and Tribal-mandated criminal background checks
Why become and AmeriCorps Member?
Help your community: Know that you are giving your time, talent, wisdom, and experience to your community and neighbors who need you.
Help yourself: Through service, you can add to the quality and health of your life. Research indicates that volunteers enjoy better health, make new friendships, stay active and involved in the community, and learn new skills.
Make a difference: Be part of a national movement to transform America through the involvement of its citizens.
Save money for the organizations you serve: By donating your time and skills, you help make funds go farther for organizations that address critical needs in your community.
Qualifications
• Local bar membership or eligibility to waive.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service
• Legal experience assisting persons with low incomes (may include student legal clinics, internships)
• Knowledge of the legal issues impacting persons with low incomes
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a variety of contexts
• Prior experience in managing independent projects or assignments
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft products, CMS software systems, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to travel throughout the surrounding region
• Those with experience regarding Indian Law strongly encouraged to apply
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should follow apply to [email protected] or online at MyAmeriCorps.gov (search for “Partnering for Native Health”).
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or veteran status.