POSITION: The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a full-time attorney with a demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy to serve as a Staff Attorney in our MI Community, Home, and Health Ombudsman Program. This program represents long term care consumers who want to receive services and support in their own homes and communities instead of in nursing homes as well as individuals with dual Medicare and Medicaid enrollment.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program and the MI Community, Home, and Health Ombudsman, and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults. MEJI is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to individuals and families with low-income, Michigan’s immigrant communities, older adults and adults with disabilities through several statewide programs. Visit meji.org and michigansas.org for more information.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Managing an individual caseload
- Representing clients in administrative or court hearings
- Engaging in policy analysis and administrative advocacy
- Collaborating with community partners and state officials
- Drafting and maintaining educational materials
- Preparing regular reports for grant funders
- Outreach and training to consumers, advocates, and attorneys
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Michigan or qualified to be admitted by waiver. Applicants must possess excellent communication, collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills and be equipped to balance varied responsibilities. While we will consider entry level attorneys for one of our two positions, we are also seeking applicants with demonstrated litigation experience, either in court or administrative hearings. Candidates must be proficient with major software and web services including Word, Excel, G Suite, and have access to a reliable internet connection. Experience advocating for vulnerable populations, especially older adults or people with disabilities, is preferred.
BENEFITS: This is a full-time position with a salary starting at $60,000 depending on experience. MSAS offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take an annual $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary paid over the course of the year. MSAS also has a generous leave policy allowing staff to accrue 3 weeks paid vacation the first year and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MSAS is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/294. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Skills Required
- Licensed to practice law in Michigan or qualified for admission by waiver
- Excellent communication, collaboration, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to balance varied responsibilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, G Suite, and major web services
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- Litigation experience in court or administrative hearings
- Experience advocating for vulnerable populations, especially older adults or people with disabilities
What We Do
Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP) is a legal-aid and advocacy organization that expands access to justice in Michigan. Through its programs, it provides free civil legal advice, representation, and assistance to low-income residents, while supporting and coordinating advocacy statewide. MAP works to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of people affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems through access to justice and systemic solutions.
