Staff Attorney

Staff AttorneyThe Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking two full-time attorneys 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.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.Responsibilities:Managing an individual caseloadRepresenting clients in administrative or court hearingsEngaging in policy analysis and administrative advocacyCollaborating with community partners and state officialsDrafting and maintaining educational materialsPreparing regular reports for grant fundersOutreach and training to consumers, advocates, and attorneysQualifications: 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.The Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.