Partnering for Native Health (PNH) is a multi-state/inter-tribal collaborative recruiting multiple AmeriCorps Attorney Members to serve in communities throughout the US. Attorney Members will establish new or ongoing Medical Legal Partnerships (MLP) in tribal hospital settings.
Schedule: Full Time (1700 hours), one-year term
Education Level: JD/Law Grad
AmeriCorps Attorney Members will work with local legal aid agency (host site) and partnering hospital or health clinic serving tribes to offer civil legal trainings to health providers, and provide comprehensive legal assistance for low-income patients. By focusing on cases that promote income growth, housing stability, and personal safety, the MLP uses legal advocacy as a tool of empowerment to address social determinants of health. 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 host sites legal aid team and a national collaborative network of members to improve social determinants of health for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. All AmeriCorps members will attend a week-long MLP Boot Camp training in Albuquerque, NM. The MLP Boot camp will train each member on vision of the project and arm each member with the tools to nurture each new attorney-hospital partnership. Each member will have a local litigation supervisor for day-to-day activities. Project support will be provided by your local legal aid supervisor and the PNH Project Director.
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
LOCATIONS:
PNH is actively recruiting AmeriCorps Attorney Members to serve one-year terms in various locations throughout the US. Number of positions and locations include: Alaska (5 positions in various locations throughout the state), Oklahoma (3 positions), Arizona (1 position in Phoenix) and Nebraska (1 position in Omaha). AmeriCorps members will be in place for one year, serving a total of 1700 hours. Members may be eligible to continue their service for an additional one-year term. This position is full-time, however AmeriCorps members are encouraged to take time away from the office and explore your new community!
BENEFITS:
• 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
LIVING ALLOWANCE:
The AmeriCorps Member will receive an annual living allowance ($27,464). Additionally, members will receive health insurance, eligible for child care benefit program and other benefits. Upon successful completion of term of service, members will receive the Segal Education Award ($5,920).
WHY BECOME AN 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.
• State specific bar membership or eligibility to waive into the specific bar
• Please note that if you are not bar certified in the state of your service, your continued AmeriCorps service is contingent on passing the bar on the first available date.
• If applicable, Tribal Court bar membership or eligibility to take the next bar exam
• 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
• 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
Interested applicants should apply at: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do
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Questions? Please contact Izzy Williamson, Partnering for Native Health Project Director at [email protected]