Western Center offers a unique opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic attorney to join our health team. This position provides an exciting opportunity to advocate on a variety of health-related poverty law issues throughout the state. The successful candidate will engage in each aspect of Western Center’s multipronged advocacy strategy – leading high impact litigation, engaging in policy advocacy, and providing assistance and trainings to local legal services attorneys.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding of at least one of the following: Medi-Cal, Exchange/Covered California, the Affordable Care Act, medical debt, health safety net programs, the uninsured, improving delivery of care, social determinants of health, behavioral health, oral health, and the intersection of these issues with racial justice. We seek a team member who has experience practicing in diverse forums, thrives in a collegial and dynamic team environment, and is committed to addressing race-based inequities.
This position reports to the Managing Attorney.
Responsibilities
• Collaborate with the Western Center health team to identify and develop strategies to ensure that every person has access to affordable, quality health care.
• Identify, initiate, and maintain a caseload of impact litigation related to health care for the poor.
• Further the execution of current programmatic work, including litigation, policy and administrative advocacy to ensure access to high quality, affordable health care for low-income Californians.
• Advance administrative, regulatory, and policy changes at the local, county, state and federal levels on issues impacting the health care needs of low-income Californians.
• Provide expertise, research, and advocacy support through consultation, technical assistance, publications, training, and education, particularly to legal services organizations.
• Work closely with Sacramento-based policy advocates on health-related budget and legislative initiatives.
• Plan and facilitate regional health policy meetings with local advocates.
• Represent Western Center in various coalitions and boards.
• Draft and disseminate reports, legal analyses, and educational materials to our partners.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Some in-state travel, sometimes overnight, is required.
• Some long hours are expected, but the workday schedule is flexible and accommodating.
• A commitment to the mission of Western Center.
• Admitted to practice law in California or willingness to take the next California Bar Exam.
• At least five years of experience as an attorney in California or another state. Experience representing low-income clients in affirmative lawsuits is preferred.
• An understanding of and passion for health care, racial justice, and anti-poverty policy.
• Experience working with or coming from historically marginalized communities.
• Prior work at a legal services or a community-based organization is a plus.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think creatively, be strategic, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to work in a team setting and to implement team objectives independently.
Applications accepted until the position is filled, but preference is to receive applications by March 1. Please email cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and list of references to Stephanie Surabian, Director of Finance and Administration, [email protected].
To promote social justice and achieve our mission, Western Center is committed to maintaining a diverse staff and creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. In your cover letter, please explain how you think your personal and/or professional experience or background has prepared you to contribute to a work environment with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.