Partnering for Native Health is an award-winning multidisciplinary project that embeds AmeriCorps Members in the tribal health care system to address the health-harming legal needs
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. New Mexico Legal Aid is actively seeking an AmeriCorps member position to serve full-time or part-time in Taos, NM.
The AmeriCorps Member will provide direct legal help to low-income patients at Tao-Picuris Indian Health Center. Areas of legal advocacy include public benefits, housing, special education, domestic violence, elder law, family law, and consumer law. 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 Native American and Alaska Native people. All AmeriCorps members will attend an MLP Boot Camp (location and dates TBD, travel expenses will be covered). The MLP Boot Camp will train each member on vision of the project and arm each member with the tools to nurture each new Medical-Legal Partnerships. Each member will have a local attorney supervisor for day-to-day activities. Project support will be provided by the MLP Project Director, including monthly conference calls and AmeriCorps updates.
Minimum Requirements:
• Over 18 with a high school diploma or GED: law school degree or equivalent work experience preferred
• Passion for increasing access to justice for marginalized individuals
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a variety of contexts
• Prior experience in managing independent projects or assignments
• Basic Computer Proficiency
• A driver’s license and personal means of transportation highly recommended
• Ability to travel throughout the surrounding region
• Those with experience regarding Indian Law strongly encouraged to apply
• Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.
Term of Service: March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 (or one year from actual state date.) To successfully complete term of service, members are required to complete 1700 hours of service within 365 days. Members may be eligible to continue their service for additional one-year terms.
Schedule: Full Time OR Part Time
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, Alaska Native/Native American/Indian/Tribal Law, Poverty, Probate/Trust & Estate Issues, Public Benefits/Social Security, Racial Justice Issues, Women's Rights
Please send a current resume and letter explaining what you hope to accomplish if you are selected for this position to: [email protected], Candidates are encouraged to apply sooner as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Or search for "Partnering for Native Health" at MyAmeriCorps.gov