Job Description
Position: Policy Fellow (Washington, D.C. Office)
Reports to: Managing Director, Federal Advocacy
Status: Two-year position; full time, exempt
Start Date: October 15, 2024, or when filled
Location: Largely remote with the occasional need to travel to D.C. for meetings
THE ORGANIZATION
The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals. Our teams (in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Chapel Hill, N.C.) engage in national, state, and local advocacy efforts, including analyses of federal and state laws, policy advocacy, litigation, education, and individual technical support. We work with lawyers and advocates, community-based entities, federal and state policymakers, health care providers, and clients.
NHeLP is committed to health equity—ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to be healthy—and to cultivating an internal environment that empowers an exceptional and diverse staff. For more information, see our Equity Stance. To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, NHeLP is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. NHeLP particularly encourages applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQI+ community, people with disabilities, and others whose backgrounds may contribute to the effective representation people with low incomes and underserved communities.
THE TEAM
The Policy Fellow will be part of NHeLP’s Washington D.C. Office and primarily work with the attorneys and policy staff of that office. The person will be part of the Federal Advocacy Team, which coordinates NHeLP’s federal legislative and administrative work. Our work focuses on Medicaid, CHIP and the Affordable Care Act. The Policy Fellow will have an opportunity to work on a range of issues that may include health equity, eligibility & enrollment, disability issues, delivery system reform, services, and sexual & reproductive health. In addition to the specific duties described below, the Policy Fellow will be invited and encouraged to participate in other departmental and organizational opportunities and initiatives, such as our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion affinity groups, committees, and task forces. That work would be considered part of and not in addition to the person’s job responsibilities.
THE POSITION
We are seeking a full-time Policy Fellow to assist our legal and policy staff with their work on Medicaid and health issues affecting low-income and underserved people. This person will support the staff that develops and implement NHeLP’s legal, policy, and advocacy strategies for advancing the legal rights of low-income and underserved people. They will also work to further NHeLP’s priority of advancing health and related economic equity. The fellowship is designed to provide a learning opportunity for individuals seeking to advance a career in the fields of law, policy, or public health.
The ideal candidate will possess the ability to interact with staff at all levels, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism. The position requires strong organizational and time management skills, as well as the ability to drive numerous projects and deliverables, and a candidate must be able to properly prioritize tasks. Further, the position also requires initiative, inquiry, and sound decision-making while working with staff primarily in the Federal Advocacy Team but also in NHeLP’s other offices.
RESPONSIBILITES
- Provide research and writing support for federal comments, issue briefs, fact sheets, blog posts, and other products pertaining to Medicaid and other health law or health policy issues related to low-income and underserved populations.
- Author/co-author relevant written work products, as described above.
- Monitor and analyze federal and state legislative and administrative changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
- Participate in meetings with coalition partners and attend other relevant health policy events.
- Deliver presentations to advocates on relevant health policy topics.
- Track federal legislative and regulatory proposals and changes.
- Undertake additional duties as assigned.
MUST-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience in a related field or position.
- Experience as a health advocate or demonstrated interest in health law and policy or health care issues affecting low-income and underserved people.
- Excellent research and analytic skills including an ability to write clearly and concisely and attention to detail.
- Interested in expanding your analysis and knowledge about the role that racial inequity plays in our society, and are committed to building and/or deepening your commitment to racial justice work.
NICE TO HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks and projects and prioritize appropriately.
- Strong sense of self-motivation; including an ability to work independently without hesitating to ask questions or to seek guidance when necessary.
- Interest and creativity in developing new project ideas.
- Willingness to tackle new projects as they arise.
- Experience researching, tracking, and analyzing proposed and final legislation, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance.
- Direct personal or professional experience with Medicaid and other public benefits.
COMMITMENT
Full-time, two-year term beginning as soon as possible.
COMPENSATION
The starting salary for the Policy Fellow position is $64,718.00 for a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree. The National Health Law Program offers a generous benefits package that includes employer-paid medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, as well as pre-tax savings plans, and a retirement savings opportunity (up to 3% employer matching after one year of employment). The National Health Law Program also offers generous paid time off including holidays, sick time, paid family and medical leave, 150 hours (20 days) of vacation per year, and more.
LOCATION
All NHeLP offices are fully remote, subject to job requirements and team-based determination of meeting needs. This position is largely remote, but may require in-person attendance at meetings in Washington D.C. with NHeLP teams, external partners, at coalition meetings, and possibly with members of the federal administration or their staff. Some travel outside of Washington, D.C. will be required. There is also an expectation that all NHeLP staff will gather in-person at least once and possibly twice a year.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified applicants should submit an application with a cover letter, writing sample and resume on our careers page.
No phone calls please, except for reasonable accommodation requests. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact us at: jobs@healthlaw.org or at 919-968-6308 or 202-289-7661.
DEADLINE
October 1, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis if received later).
NHeLP advocates to advance the health rights of many populations that have traditionally lacked legal protection, such as people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, and women. To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, NHeLP is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. NHeLP is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified applicants.
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