Health Senior Attorney or Senior Policy Advocate

Justice in Aging seeks a Washington DC-based attorney or policy advocate with at least seven years of experience to join our Health Team. The successful candidate will work closely with our team to defend and strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and other health and long-term care programs for low-income older adults. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of strategic advocacy in Washington DC with Congress and federal agencies, and experience with Medicare and Medicaid. The Senior Attorney or Senior Policy Advocate reports to the Managing Director, Health Advocacy.

The Organization:  

Justice in Aging uses the power of law and our expertise in health care and economic security to fight senior poverty and advance equity. Founded in 1972, we have a rich tradition of successful, high-impact, and strategic advocacy. We focus our efforts on fighting for people who have been marginalized and excluded from justice, such as older adults of color, older women, LGBTQ+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, and older adults who are immigrants or have limited English proficiency. The organization has a staff of 35 and an annual budget of over $7 million.

Justice in Aging is the only national organization focused solely on advancing the rights of low-income older adults. Every older adult should have the same opportunity to age in dignity with access to high quality health care, housing, and sufficient income to cover essentials like medicine, food, utilities, and transportation. Justice in Aging recognizes that not everyone has the same experience accessing universal programs, and we seek solutions that go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. You can be a part of this meaningful work.  

The Senior Attorney or Senior Policy Advocate will work in Washington, DC. This is a hybrid position that will include attending in-person meetings and events in DC, as well as remote work and occasional travel. Our staff primarily work remotely across the country, with many in Washington DC, the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. We have office space available for staff in Washington, DC. Justice in Aging requires COVID-19 vaccination for all staff, with exemptions available in accordance with federal law. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Work with the Managing Director, Health Advocacy, and other team members to develop and execute strategies to advance our health and long-term care advocacy priorities at the federal level.
• Advance Justice in Aging policy objectives by working with members of Congress and their staff, as well as staff of federal agencies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with policymakers in Washington DC; national aging, disability, and health care advocates; and others involved in advancing health and long-term care policy for older adults.
• Represent Justice in Aging in national coalitions and at meetings, conferences, and events.
• Develop materials for educational and advocacy purposes, including alerts to our network, letters to policymakers, policy analysis, fact sheets, and webinar trainings.
• Provide technical expertise on health and long-term care policy issues related to low-income older adults and respond to questions and inquiries from professionals in our networks.
• Travel for meetings and conferences, approximately 2-3 times per year.
• Work with other Justice in Aging team members to advance broader organizational objectives.

Requirements:  

• Any combination of applicable educational/professional credentials and experience that will enable you to perform the above duties successfully, including but not limited to a JD, Master’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree.
• Recent experience with federal legislative and administrative advocacy.
• Experience with Medicare and/or Medicaid policy.
• Passion for social justice, including experience with and/or interest in advocating on behalf of older adults of color, older women, LGBTQ+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, and older adults who are immigrants or have limited English proficiency.

Desired:  

• Strong communications skills, including ability to write clearly and communicate effectively.
• Understanding of dual eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare, as well as long-term care policy.
• Experience developing and executing policy advocacy strategies.
• Experience building internal and external relationships and working with and leading coalitions.
• Facilitation skills, including building consensus to achieve goals.
• Experience handling multiple projects and advocacy efforts simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Salary for this position will be based on a fixed salary scale based on experience level. For example, the salary for this position with seven years of experience would be $113,500 and the salary for this position with 12 years of experience would be $121,000.   Justice in Aging offers a competitive benefits package, including fully paid health insurance that covers 100% of employee premiums and 50% of spouse and dependent premiums; dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible reimbursement plan; 403(b) retirement savings plan with 8% automatic employer contribution; paid parental leave, sabbatical leave, and compensatory time; federal holidays, sick time, and generous vacation policy.