NYAPRS Note: An extraordinary opportunity to join the pre-eminent mental health rights advocacy organization in the nation!
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
(11/18/2021)
The Position: Policy and Legal Advocacy Attorney
The Organization:
Since 1972, the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has advocated for the civil rights, full inclusion, autonomy, and equality of adults and children with mental disabilities. We were pivotal in expanding the civil rights movement to include fighting discrimination against and segregation of people with mental disabilities. Today, the Bazelon Center accomplishes its goals through a unique combination of litigation, public policy advocacy, coalition building and leadership, media outreach, and technical assistance—a comprehensive approach that ensures we achieve the greatest impact.
The Bazelon Center advances the rights of adults and children with mental disabilities in health and mental health care, education, employment, housing, and the criminal and immigration systems. With a focus on reforming public service systems, we advocate for alternatives to discipline in schools, diversion from jails and prisons, and access to services that support community living. Learn more at www.bazelon.org.
We are committed to equity in the changes we seek to achieve in the world and in everything we do.
About the Position:
The policy and legal advocacy attorney works with the Bazelon Center’s team to protect and advance the civil rights of adults and children with mental health, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
Duties Include:
● Identify public policy priorities and opportunities, and communicate the Bazelon Center’s priorities to national and state policymakers
● Draft comments, letters, issue briefs, blogs, op-eds, and other materials on legislative and administrative proposals, and on other issues of interest to policymakers and to the public
● Participate and take leadership roles in national coalitions of advocacy partners
● Seek and manage opportunities to provide technical assistance to local, state, or federal agencies
● From time to time, perform tasks in support of litigation
● Assist the Center’s development and communications staff with grant proposals, press releases, newsletters, social media, and the Center’s website
Job Qualifications:
· J.D. degree
· 2 years (minimum) of experience in legal or policy advocacy
● Admitted to practice in D.C. or eligible to be admitted to practice
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Policy experience, preferably in one of the following areas: disability rights, racial justice, civil rights, poverty law and policy, or health care
● Excellent writing and communication skills
● Ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects, and work in a fast-paced environment
● Ability to work autonomously and as a part of a team
● Commitment to people with disabilities
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Awareness of the role of structural racism in public systems and its impact on people with disabilities who are Black, Indigenous and people of color
● Ability to solve problems creatively
Preferred: 5 years of experience in policy advocacy, a Congressional staff position, and/or work in a federal agency; understanding of Medicaid; litigation experience.
Location: Washington, DC; this position requires the ability to work both remotely and in person and it may require travel consistent with pandemic safety precautions.
Compensation: $80,000 to $110,000 commensurate with experience plus an excellent benefits package.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume and two writing samples (publications, blog pieces, or other writings on policy issues that reflect your own drafting). All application materials can be emailed to jobs@bazelon.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls please.
Target Start Date: February 7, 2022
The Bazelon Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Bazelon Center is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, disability, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family responsibilities, or status as a veteran. Applicants who will increase the diversity of the Bazelon Center are especially encouraged to apply.