Staff Attorney, Health (Patients' Rights)

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley•San Jose, CA

4d•$81,000 - $109,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley (“Law Foundation”) is dedicated to advancing the rights of historically excluded individuals and families throughout Santa Clara County. Through our legal services, strategic advocacy, and educational outreach, we empower over 10,000 individuals and families each year. Our Housing, Children & Youth, Health and Pro Bono Programs use legal advocacy as a catalyst for social change, creating innovative solutions to the legal challenges facing low-income communities in our region. With a dedicated team of over 85 employees, we are the largest provider of free legal services in the South Bay region of the Bay Area. Learn more at https://www.lawfoundation.org/ . We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Staff Attorney to join our Health Program at Law Foundation. The Health Program provides free legal advice and representation to individuals living in Santa Clara County who identify as having mental health conditions, among other disabilities. We also provide free legal help to people experiencing economic instability and provide services through medical-legal partnerships. We approach our work with a deep commitment to addressing social determinants of health, mental health empowerment, and community-driven advocacy. We welcome new and experienced legal advocates to join our team of dedicated, passionate lawyers as we work together to support health equity for historically excluded residents in Santa Clara County.

Requirements

Applicants must be current members in good standing with the California State Bar.
Recent graduates and mid-to-year senior level attorneys are encouraged to apply.
A passion for social justice and race equity.
Able to work sensitively and productively to identify, investigate, and resolve client problems.
Excellent verbal, interpersonal, research, writing, analytical, interviewing, and organizational skills.
Able to work independently and as a part of a team.
Excellent time and caseload management skills; ability to work independently to get your tasks done.
Committed to racial equity, inclusion and belonging and able recognize the ways that race, and other identities intersect in the work, especially for communities we serve
Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to attend hearings, home visits, and outreach events.
Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn new technology as needed.
Employees must be California State residents.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience or a general understanding of patients’ rights issues and mental health law preferred.
Interest or passion in community-driven advocacy, policy advocacy, and/or impact litigation preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish or Vietnamese (preferred).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, or capacity to pick up new computer skills

Responsibilities

Provide legal advocacy and representation to individuals living with mental health and other chronic health issues associated with poverty.
Represent clients in locked psychiatric facilities in civil commitment and forced medication hearings.
Ensure compliance with patients’ rights laws among mental health facilities through facility meetings, trainings, community education, grievance procedures, and legal advocacy.
Plan and deliver community training, education, and outreach on topics related to patients’ rights, access to mental healthcare, and behavioral health in Santa Clara County.
Monitor mental health facilities for compliance with patients’ rights laws, including laws governing the use of seclusion, restraint, and involuntary medication.
Engage in community-based advocacy, coalitions, system reform, pre-litigation, and legislative efforts that concern or impact Health Unit clients.
Assist with client intake, referrals, and administrative tasks such as data entry, as needed.
Participate in Law Foundation activities, such as program meetings, special events, and fundraisers.
Assist underserved populations, including communities of color, LGBTQIA+ community, immigrant/refugee communities, individuals living with physical and/or mental health disabilities, unstably housed individuals, people using drugs, and system-impacted individuals in line with the Law Foundation’s Race Equity Inclusion principles.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure a seamless and people-centered approach to service delivery.
Perform functions of the job in-person, including in-person representation of clients at hearings, in-person facility visits and/or in-person investigations at facilities.

Benefits

19 paid holidays per year
3-5 weeks of vacation per year
12 days of sick leave per year
Up to 6 months of parental leave
Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums
Free/discounted mental health therapy and wellness services for employees and their dependents through our Employee Assistance Program
A 401(k)-retirement plan with employer contributions
A sabbatical after 5 years of employment
An additional monthly stipend for those who are bilingual and utilize their language abilities in the course of their job
An annual budget for professional development
Employer paid CA Bar license and/or social work license fees
The flexibility to work a hybrid schedule
An office building that offers a fully equipped gym, outdoor terrace, convenient on-site parking, bike storage, lounge areas, and 24/7 security