Summer Associate Program: HEAL (Health Education Advocacy and Law)
Project description:
The HEAL Project supports Community Legal Aid's mission by finding solutions to non-medical barriers that keep people from being healthy. Through medical-legal partnerships, community collaborations, and policy advocacy, project staff provide holistic legal services to improve disparate health and learning outcomes related to students with special learning needs, infant and maternal health, and chronic disease.
Activities for the role:
The HEAL summer associate, under supervision, will manage a small caseload of clients, with patients referred through medical-legal partnerships with local hospitals, infant vitality hubs, and other community partners. The summer associate will support the project and can expect to engage in the following activities:
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Conduct factual investigations including interviewing clients; requesting and reviewing medical, school, and other records; searching public records, etc.
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Attend education and housing hearings, community meetings, and outreach events
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Conduct legal and policy research
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Draft pleadings / research memoranda / policy papers / correspondence
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Such other tasks as may be assigned
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Other duties as assigned
Preferred qualifications:
The strongest candidates will have the following qualifications:
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Having taken a health law course; having an understanding of the health care system
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Having taken and education or school law course
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Demonstrated interest in and sensitivity to the legal needs of the poor as well as motivation to improve the condition of the poor
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Awareness of racial health disparities, institutional racism, and systemic racism
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Interest and experience in health law and/or policy issues
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Interest and experience in education law and/or policy issues
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Strong research/writing skills
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Proficient in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and legal and internet research tools
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Ability to speak a foreign language is highly desirable
Personal attributes:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- First-rate oral and written communications skills
- Professional attitude, discretion, diplomacy and tact
- Ability to relate to professionals
- Strong analytical and organizational skill
- High dependability
Number of open positions:
There are 2 - 3 open positions (Akron and/or Youngstown offices)
