Special Project Attorney – Medicaid Access Strategy Hub

Position: Special Project Attorney – Medicaid Access Strategy Hub

Reports to: Managing Director, Federal Advocacy

Status: Full-time Exempt (limited to 24 months)

Start Date: Immediate

Location: As-needed in person: In-person presence near NHeLP’s DC office is required as needed for ongoing duties.

THE ORGANIZATION

The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) protects and advances the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals. NHeLP engages in national, state, and local advocacy efforts, including analyses of federal and state laws, policy advocacy, litigation, continuing legal

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.

THE TEAM

The Special Project Attorney will be part of a team operating NHeLP’s Medicaid Access Strategy Hub (the “Hub”). The Attorney will primarily work with the staff of that project but will also interact with members of NHeLP’s Federal Advocacy Strategy Area and the entire organization. In addition to the specific duties described below, the Special Project Attorney will be invited and encouraged to participate in other departmental and organizational opportunities and initiatives. That work would be considered part of and not in addition to the person’s job responsibilities.

THE POSITION

NHeLP is seeking a full-time Special Project Attorney for a two-year term. The Special Project Attorney will help develop and operate NHeLP’s Medicaid Access Strategy Hub. This is a project-based, 24-month position. The Hub provides an on-line community forum for individuals engaging in advocacy, monitoring and implementation of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) to mitigate its harmful impact and ensure as many individuals as possible retain their Medicaid or other health program enrollment. The Special Project Attorney should have substantive expertise in Medicaid and the ACA, and experience with federal legislative, regulatory, and administrative advocacy. The position will involve monitoring policy and administrative activities for the Hub and providing technical assistance to state advocates as states move to implement provisions of the recently enacted reconciliation legislation. The ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge of Medicaid at the national level and have experience as a health advocate or working in the federal administrative or legislative branch. The ideal candidate will have experience working within underserved communities and will demonstrate an understanding of the issues that impact people with low income, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other underserved populations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring the Hub (70%)

• Review all information posted on the Hub, identify patterns of concerns and offer suggestions, as appropriate, on how to alleviate the issues;
• Identify content for and draft weekly newsletters;
• Develop publications for the Hub that may include fact sheets, tip sheets, issue briefs, and posts;
• Aggregate and analyze information to assimilate information and identify policy solutions;
• Coordinate with national partners who provide support to the Hub;
• Provide technical assistance and education requested by advocates, administrative agencies, policymakers, and other individuals; and
• Conduct trainings and presentations.

Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing (20%)

• Research federal and state Medicaid laws, administrative guidance, and case law;
• Analyze federal and state legislation, regulations, and other policies as they impact implementation of the reconciliation law;
• Track legislative and administrative developments relevant to implementation of the reconciliation law; and
• Develop publications including fact sheets, issue briefs, blog posts, memoranda, comments, and correspondence concerning legal and policy developments, legislation, and regulations concerning Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, civil rights laws, and other issues in NHeLP's priority areas.

Administrative and other responsibilities (10%)

• Write grant reports on work and document timekeeping;
• Participate in internal meetings and working groups; and
• Collaborate with development, communication, and operations teams to accomplish the organization's strategic priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent law degree);
• 8 years of legal or policy experience;
• Strong interest in administrative, public benefits, and civil rights law;
• Commitment to the representation of low-income and underserved populations.

MUST-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of health law, regulatory and administrative advocacy, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act;
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Possess a high level of independence and initiative, good judgment, excellent speaking and writing skills, the ability to produce the highest caliber work, creativity, and an ability to model working with others towards common goals;
• Ability to think creatively, and to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Demonstrated understanding of the role that racial inequity plays in our society and in movement- building, and have an ability to effectively manage across difference;
• Familiarity with online forums and how to engage people in a meaningful and constructive manner; and
• Commitment to NHeLP’s mission and values.

NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Direct service experience;
• Knowledge of OBBBA;
• Federal legislative or health care agency (HHS, CMS, etc.) experience;
• Ability to consistently integrate a deep understanding of key equity concepts into work projects and interactions by addressing structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on race, class and other group identities within the context of job responsibilities and projects.

COMPENSATION

Compensation is competitive with other public interest organizations and commensurate with experience. The salary for a candidate with a J.D. and the minimum requirement of 8 years of experience is $110,400. Generous benefits are available, including employer-paid medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, pre-tax savings plans, and a retirement savings opportunity. NHeLP also offers generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, family and medical leave for eligible employees, 150 hours (20 days) of vacation per year, and more.

LOCATION

All NHeLP offices are largely 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 202-289-7661.

Deadline: December 31, 2025

NHeLP advocates to advance the health rights of many populations that have traditionally lacked legal protection, such as women, people of color, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. To promote social justice and best achieve our mission, NHeLP is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in which differences are acknowledged and valued. We make our employment decisions based on merit. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, and we do not discriminate based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

For more information, please visit: www.healthlaw.org.

Compensation is competitive with other public interest organizations and commensurate with experience. The salary for a candidate with a J.D. and the minimum requirement of 8 years of experience is $110,400. Generous benefits are available, including employer-paid medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, pre-tax savings plans, and a retirement savings opportunity. NHeLP also offers generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, family and medical leave for eligible employees, 150 hours (20 days) of vacation per year, and more.