The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) is a not-for-profit law firm whose mission is to combat injustice, strengthen communities and promote human dignity through high quality legal representation, community partnerships, education and other advocacy to mitigate systemic barriers to opportunity experienced by our client communities. NJP seeks applications from qualified attorneys to work within our Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP) to address the legal needs of low-income patients and families with health-harming legal needs at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harborview Medical Center. This is a full-time position.
The successful applicant will work as part of NJP’s MLP unit on a range of legal needs identified by medical providers specifically focused on the unmet legal needs of patients. The applicant will also consult with medical providers on patients’ legal needs and train medical providers to identify and address common legal issues. While the attorney will work across legal and practice disciplines, priority areas of legal practice will include access to Medicaid, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Social Security, and other public benefits, and may also include housing, guardianship, special education and immigration issues. Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration with non-lawyers or medical providers, community-based outreach and advocacy, and working within low-income communities is required. Applicants must be culturally competent. Washington State Bar membership in good standing or ability to become a member through reciprocity, or by taking the next scheduled bar exam is required. Proficiency in Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, or other languages is a plus.
JOB DUTIES: The attorney will undertake a range of duties including, but not limited to:
• Regularly conduct outreach and develop and provide training to health care providers and client families on a broad range of legal issues, including identification of legal needs.
• Think creatively about strategic legal issues and problems.
• Work collaboratively with health care providers to identify and address the most important individual and systemic problems that impact their low-income patients.
• Engage with the low-income patient communities to devise and seek systemic solutions to health care access, and other legal needs presented by the client population.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with advocates addressing related issues through advocacy task forces or work groups to address systemic issues.
• Produce legal brochures and materials to educate patient families about legal remedies.
• Utilize NJP’s case management and timekeeping systems and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and reporting needs.
• Support the work of NJP partners including volunteer lawyers, private attorneys, other legal aid providers and organizations addressing the health harming legal needs of low-income persons.
• Participate in meetings with MLP partners and advisory committee, and participate in administrative duties related to MLP program management, including reports, and sharing success stories.
• Some travel to surrounding counties required for court, meetings and other activities.
NJP has an organizational commitment to fight racism and to incorporate equity and inclusion in both the work we do and work environment we create. All staff are expected to uphold this commitment and approach their role with a desire to learn and grow in this area.
Salary Range: Starting salary is based upon years of experience, with an annual salary range starting at $63,233 to $118,185. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes 100% paid employee health premiums and significant premium shares for family health premiums, as well as generous time off.
Hours of work: NJP’s typical client office hours are 9:00 – 5:00, Monday through Friday. Attorney positions are exempt and those in the position are expected to work the hours needed to meet the professional responsibilities.
To Apply: Submit a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample to Victoria Hester at [email protected]. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Attorney–Medical-Legal Partnership”. Cover letter should include description of any past experience, personal or professional, with low income or other marginalized communities. The Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.
Application deadline: March 20, 2020
NJP is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and fosters an environment free of barriers and discriminatory practices. NJP actively promotes mutual respect, acceptance, teamwork and productivity. NJP is committed to maintaining an organization whose staff, Board and clients are diverse in background, experience, race, color, national origin, gender, age, religious reference, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sensory, mental or physical abilities, veteran status, and other qualities that strengthen the program while reinforcing its commitment to basic fairness. People of color, people who identify as transgender, lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process or for more information about the project should contact Victoria Hester at 206-707-0998
The successful applicant will work as part of NJP’s MLP unit on a range of legal needs identified by medical providers specifically focused on the unmet legal needs of patients. The applicant will also consult with medical providers on patients’ legal needs and train medical providers to identify and address common legal issues. While the attorney will work across legal and practice disciplines, priority areas of legal practice will include access to Medicaid, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Social Security, and other public benefits, and may also include housing, guardianship, special education and immigration issues. Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration with non-lawyers or medical providers, community-based outreach and advocacy, and working within low-income communities is required. Applicants must be culturally competent. Washington State Bar membership in good standing or ability to become a member through reciprocity, or by taking the next scheduled bar exam is required. Proficiency in Spanish, Somali, Vietnamese, or other languages is a plus.
Submit a letter of interest, current resume and writing sample to Victoria Hester at [email protected]. Cover letter and email subject line should clearly reference “Attorney–Medical-Legal Partnership”. Cover letter should include description of any past experience, personal or professional, with low income or other marginalized communities. The Northwest Justice Project is especially interested in qualified candidates whose professional, personal and/or service experience allow them to contribute to and support the legal aid community’s commitment to race equity.