Health and Justice Reform Policy Associate

Health and Justice Reform Policy Associate

Legal Action Center (LAC) seeks a full-time Health and Justice Reform Policy Associate to advance federal health and criminal legal system policy reforms that increase access to employment, education, housing, health care, and other opportunities for our constituencies.

The Health and Justice Reform Policy Associate will work with LAC’s policy staff, community and national partner organizations, and federal policymakers to promote LAC’s federal health and criminal legal system reform policy agenda. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a demonstrated commitment to LAC’s constituencies and racial justice and equity, experience with and interest in using policy advocacy to affect systemic change, and a passion for promoting a public health approach to addiction, dismantling barriers to reentry, protecting safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP, ending mass incarceration, securing and enforcing privacy rights, and championing economic justice.

The position is based in our Washington, DC office. LAC has instituted a hybrid work model that includes the opportunity to work some of the time remotely. The ability to regularly participate in in-person meetings in Washington, DC, is required for this position. The Health and Justice Reform Policy Associate will report to the Vice President of Health Initiatives.

About the Organization: LAC is a private, not-for-profit law and policy organization with offices in New York City and Washington, DC. LAC uses legal and policy strategies to fight discrimination, build health equity, and restore opportunities for people with arrest and conviction records, in recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) or who use drugs, and HIV or AIDS. LAC uses a multi-faceted approach to effectuate its mission and create systemic change through impact litigation, legal services, education, and policy advocacy. LAC is committed to centering the individuals and communities directly impacted by mass incarceration and health inequity and addressing racial justice and equity in all aspects of its work. A national leader in fighting mass incarceration, LAC works to expand alternatives to incarceration, connect individuals in the criminal legal system to health care services, and reduce barriers to full participation in society, including in employment, housing, higher education, and voting.

For nearly 50 years, LAC has fought to dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate racial disparities in health, justice, and opportunities. LAC’s litigation and legal services program has established cutting-edge legal precedents and provided free legal services to tens of

thousands of individuals, helping them to overcome discrimination and privacy violations. Learn more about LAC’s approach, priority areas, and special projects by exploring our website.

Job Responsibilities

Helping to develop and implement advocacy strategies with Congress, the Administration, and select states to expand access to equitable treatment and harm reduction services for SUD, HIV/AIDS, and mental health needs in healthcare financing systems (i.e., Medicaid)

• In support of the No Health = No Justice Initiative and to advance its priorities and its partner organizations, helping to develop and implement advocacy strategies with Congress, the Administration, and select states, to eliminate legal and policy barriers against, and to increase opportunities for, people with arrest and conviction records
• Conducting policy research, and tracking and analyzing legislation, statutes, and regulations
• Writing policy materials for federal and state policymakers and stakeholders
• Serving as a liaison between local, state, and federal health and criminal justice reform advocates
• Participating in and helping to lead coalitions on behalf of LAC
• Building new and strengthening existing strategic relationships with federal policymakers and their staff and national, state, and local stakeholders
• Collaborating with other LAC staff and teams to advance our strategic priorities

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in policy development/advocacy, preferably in the areas of health and/or criminal justice
• Demonstrated commitment to community and ability to work constructively with partners
• Excellent consensus-building, relationship- and coalition-building, and leadership skills
• Excellent policy analysis and writing skills, including the ability to review and summarize legislation and regulations
• Strong communication and oral advocacy skills
• Desire and ability to work in a small office and to effectively collaborate with team members located in other parts of the country
• Ability to balance several projects simultaneously, to adjust to frequently changing needs, and to exhibit strong organizational skills
• Deep familiarity with the federal legislative and administrative processes, ideally gained through experience as congressional staff or within a federal agency, is preferred
• Bachelor’s or graduate degree (including J.D.) or equivalent experience in public policy, law, political science, public administration, or a related field is preferred

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $71,000 to $79,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical insurance, a 403(b) plan with employer contribution, flexible pre-tax benefits, and generous time off.

Application Instructions

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and writing sample as a single PDF document (no calls) to humanresources@lac.org and write “Health and Justice Reform Policy Associate” in the subject line. Within your cover letter, please briefly describe the following:

1. Your experience working in organizing, policy, or advocacy for health and/or criminal justice reform.
2. Your interest in health and justice policy as it relates to racial justice and equity.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Legal Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Members of LAC’s stakeholder populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits include medical insurance, a 403(b) plan with employer contribution, flexible pre-tax benefits, and generous time off.