Health Attorney

The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. CSS runs a number of consumer health assistance programs that help people enroll in and use health insurance. These services are free. It also coordinates the Health Care for All New York Campaign, a coalition of 170 groups dedicated to securing quality, affordable coverage for all New Yorkers. The Community Health Advocates (CHA) program provides health insurance and access to care assistance to over 30,000 New Yorkers annually through a live answer CHA Helpline and a network of 25 community-based organizations. The CHA Helpline handles approximately 10,000 calls per year.

CHA is seeking a Health Attorney committed to public service and consumer advocacy to assist individuals in securing and maintaining access to health care.

Job Responsibilities:

• Write appeals and complaints and provide hearing representation to clients appealing denials of health insurance coverage.
• Represent consumers in medical debt court actions and negotiations with providers and debt collectors.
• Provide information, education, advice, and navigational services to beneficiaries on how to successfully utilize health insurance and/or care.
• Develop legal strategies and policy remedies that address consumer health coverage needs, including dental coverage and other areas of under-insurance.
• Respond to live calls from consumers, family members, or providers on the CHA Helpline.
• Provide trainings and presentations to beneficiaries, family members, advocates, providers, and others, as needed.
• Prepare training materials and fact sheets, as needed.
• Maintain thorough case records of services provided, advice, appeals and/or referrals.
• Help identify systemic trends or practices that adversely affect clients and work closely with senior CSS staff and stakeholders.
• Other responsibilities identified by Supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) required. Admission to the practice of law in New York State preferred.
• A minimum of two years of experience providing assistance to consumers and/or advocates on health insurance or health care access issues.
• Experience writing appeals required.
• Ability to speak, type and write clearly, concisely, persuasively and keep detailed notes of all communications.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting legal research and analysis.
• Undergraduate or other degree in biology or a related scientific field preferred.
• Experience with courtroom or hearing advocacy preferred.
• Written and spoken fluency in Spanish or a language other than English preferred.

Salary and Benefits: The annual salary for this position is $93,393.00. Community Service Society provides a comprehensive employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance, annual performance-based bonus, 403b retirement savings plan, defined benefit retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits plan, EAP, and a robust paid time off policy.

Physical Requirements: Office work consisting of sitting, use of a computer, virtual meetings, presentations, and other related duties.

CSS currently offers a hybrid work environment requiring onsite work at CSS’ office at least two days per week and three days per week remote work. CSS will provide all equipment necessary to perform the job from home, but the worker must use their own internet connection. 

***Interested applicants should provide a cover letter and resume at the time of application submission*** 

CSS is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

CSS complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing employment, recruitment, and hiring.