Staff Attorney Position
January 2008

Organization Description

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) is a statewide, nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to improving the choices, care and quality of life for California’s long term care consumers. Through litigation, legislation, community outreach and education, it is CANHR’s goal to promote positive systemic change in the long term care arena.

CANHR is a resource for the local, state and national long term care advocacy communities and is a legal services support center for qualified legal services projects in California. Our advocacy work includes direct services to clients through our toll free statewide hotline; training, technical assistance and advocacy support to the legal services community; community education; and policy and legislative advocacy. CANHR also maintains a content–rich web site at www.canhr.org.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities of the position include:

• In collaboration with Executive Director and staff attorneys, assisting in setting and carrying out priorities for the delivery of legal services support activities, including development and delivery of training, the provision of technical assistance and advocacy support upon request;
• Assisting with the delivery of direct client services, including consumer information and referrals, negotiations with administrative agencies, and, upon request from programs, direct administrative law representation and/or support litigation;
• Assuming responsibility for legal content of some of CANHR’s materials, including training manuals, publications, newsletters and web site; and developing new content in response to emerging issues;
• Assisting with public policy advocacy activities, including legislative advocacy and technical assistance to legislative staff upon request;
• Assuming direct responsibility for a substantive CANHR priority area;

Qualifications

The following are required:

• Membership in the California Bar with a minimum two years of professional experience in legal services or a related advocacy field;
• Excellent written and communication skills, including public speaking ability;
• Computer literacy and willingness to learn Macs, if not already familiar with the Mac systems;
• Must be organized, self-motivated and able to multi–task;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and a passion for advocacy;
• Commitment to working with CANHR staff and advocacy community in a collaborative manner;

Other:

• Experience with long term care issues, Medi–Cal and/or public benefits a plus.
• Ability to speak Spanish is desirable

Compensation

Salary is competitive (DOE); benefits include generous vacation, health and dental benefits.

Application

The position is open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled as applications are received. To apply, submit a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a resume, a legal writing sample and three professional references to:

By email: robert@canhr.org

or by mail to:

Robert Martien, CANHR
650 Harrison Street, 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94107.

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform is an equal opportunity employer