About: Alaska Pacific University has received a multi-state grant from AmeriCorps to host one-year AmeriCorps members to facilitate a Medical-Legal partnership (MLP) program serving American Indians and Alaskan Natives throughout the U.S. This program, Partnering for Native Health, is an award-winning multidisciplinary project that embeds AmeriCorps Members in the tribal health care system to address health-harming legal needs.
Ten members will be recruited in Alaska (various locations) through Alaska Legal Services Corporation and placed at partnering hospitals or health clinics to serve as Partnering for Native Health Medical-Legal Partnership AmeriCorps Member Legal Advocates.
Term of Service: Full Time, 1700 hours of service within 365 days. Members may be eligible to continue their service for additional one-year terms.
Member Description: The AmeriCorps member will offer trainings for health providers and comprehensive legal assistance for low-income patients at partnering hospital or health clinic serving tribes. By focusing on cases that promote income growth, housing stability, and personal safety, the MLP uses legal advocacy as a tool to address social determinants of health. Areas of legal advocacy include public benefits, housing, special education, domestic violence, elder law, family law, and consumer law. The AmeriCorps Member will be responsible for providing periodic trainings and presentations to providers at medical facilities, as well as for regularly consulting with medical providers.
Although AmeriCorps members will work independently at their location, the member will be part of a national collaborative network of twenty-one members in 7 states to improve social determinants of health for Native American and Alaska Native people. All members will attend an MLP Boot Camp (location and dates TBD, travel expenses will be covered). The MLP Boot Camp will train members on vision of the project and arm each member with tools to nurture each new Medical-Legal Partnership. Each member will have a local attorney supervisor for day-to-day activities. Project support will be provided by the MLP Project Director, including monthly conference calls and AmeriCorps updates.
Minimum Requirements:
- Over 18 with a high school diploma or GED: law school degree or equivalent work experience preferred
- Passion for increasing access to justice for marginalized individuals
- Basic Computer Proficiency and excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a variety of contexts
- Prior experience in managing independent projects or assignments
- A driver’s license and personal means of transportation highly recommended
- Ability to travel throughout the surrounding region
- Those with experience regarding Indian Law strongly encouraged to apply
- Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals
Benefits:
- Annual living allowance
- An AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of service. This award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for education training and resources, or to repay qualified student loans. Members aged 55 and over may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild or foster child.
- Eligible for deferment on qualified student loans
- Health benefits
- Child care assistance if qualified
- Hands-on experience and training in the legal field
ALSC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information and military service. Member placement is contingent upon ability to pass AmeriCorps, State and Tribal-mandated criminal background checks.
Application Instructions:
Interested candidates should follow can apply by emailing a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to careers@alsc-law.org with the subject: AmeriCorps Member – [Your Last Name], or online at MyAmeriCorps.gov. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and are accepted on a rolling basis.
Why become an AmeriCorps Member?
Help your community: Know that you are giving your time, talent, wisdom, and experience to your community and neighbors who need you.
Help yourself: Through service, you can add to the quality and health of your life. Research indicates that volunteers enjoy better health, make new friendships, stay active and involved in the community, and learn new skills.
Make a difference: Be part of a national movement to transform America through the involvement of its citizens.
Save money for the organizations you serve: By donating your time and skills, you help make funds go farther for organizations that address critical needs in your community.