STAFF ATTORNEY I-BILINGUAL

Whitman-Walker Health•Washington, DC

5h•Onsite

About The Position

Since 1986, Whitman-Walker’s Legal Services Program has provided pro bono counseling and representation to persons living with HIV, of every sexual orientation and gender, on a variety of civil legal issues related to an HIV diagnosis. We also provide legal advice and representation to LGBTQ individuals and families, and Whitman-Walker health care patients, regardless of HIV status, on issues within our areas of expertise. Our primary areas of practice include discrimination based on HIV, sexual orientation, or gender identity; Social Security disability, Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal, state, and local public benefits programs; private health and disability insurance; elder law; immigration; wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives; and name and gender marker changes on legal records for transgender persons. Whitman-Walker Health emphasizes an integrated care model where legal professionals on the teamwork to address health-harming legal problems. Whitman-Walker Health’s Legal Services program is proud to be the oldest medical-legal partnership in the country. Working in this position offers a unique opportunity to work not only with lawyers and paralegals dedicated to promoting health and equality but as part of a collaborative team with medical, behavioral health, and dental care providers and other professionals to achieve more effective, longer-term benefits for our clients.

Requirements

Demonstrated familiarity and competence in two or more of the following substantive areas of law: public benefits; discrimination and workplace rights; insurance; wills, financial and medical powers of attorney; medical privacy; immigration; debtors’ rights, and transgender rights.
Demonstrated ability to effectively handle complex, challenging cases in two or more of these areas and exercises sound judgment.
Knowledge of the health care delivery system, social services, and community-based resources.
Ability to conduct sensitive, empathetic interactions that respect the dignity and diversity of patients/clients/staff - including factors such as HIV status, race, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Ability to effectively educate, treat and counsel clients from diverse educational, social, and economic backgrounds.
Interpersonal skills necessary to de-escalate difficult client encounters.
Ability to manage time and effort to meet strategic objectives.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing excellent customer service, both internal and external.
Knowledge of all applicable WWH policies and procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Written and oral fluency in Spanish or Amharic.
Analytical skills necessary for the preparation of accurate, concise, and comprehensive reports.
Ability to maintain records and information in an accurate, timely, and confidential manner.
Ability to adapt to changes in the service delivery model, re-prioritizing, as necessary.
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team structure by demonstrating the ability to collaborate and contribute to the team’s work.
Law degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to practice in the District of Columbia or eligible for immediate admission to become a member of the DC Bar.
Ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with public benefits and insurance programs is not required but is a plus.
Additional admission to Virginia and/or Maryland Bar is preferred.
Experience working with an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse work staff preferred.

Responsibilities

Represents clients with a range of legal issues including, but not limited to, discrimination based on HIV, sexual orientation, or gender identity; Social Security disability, Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal, state, and local public benefits programs; private health and disability insurance; elder law; immigration; wills, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives; and name and gender marker changes on legal records for transgender persons.
Represents clients in connection with several public benefits and insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Retirement and Disability, and health insurance subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act.
Performs a variety of tasks, including client intake and counseling; investigation and analysis of cases; legal research; direct representation of clients in our practice areas; training and mentoring of volunteer attorneys; oversight and administration of volunteer-staffed legal clinics; public speaking to client and provider groups and other community outreach activities; preparation of training and resource materials for volunteers; and assisting the Legal Services director and managing attorneys with various aspects of program administration.
Performs and behaves in accordance with Whitman-Walker’s mission, cultural norms, and core values of dignity, respect, affirmation, and humility.
Maintains a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate manner with patients/clients/staff.
Demonstrates excellent customer service by identifying and exceeding customer requirements.
Adheres to Whitman-Walker policies and procedures, with special attention given to HIPAA requirements.
Maintains data integrity through conscientious use of relevant tools and employing a system of checks and balances.
Demonstrates organizational skills necessary to multi-task, meet deadlines, and re-prioritize as needed.
Participates in organizational quality and performance improvement activities.