Policy Associate

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has a full-time position available for a Policy Associate to carry out various activities relating to policy advocacy and policy research. The Center is the leading national legal-advocacy organization representing people with mental disabilities. Through policy research and advocacy, precedent-setting litigation and legal strategies, the Center works to promote the rights, health and community integration of adults and children who rely on public mental health services.

Applicant should have strong research, writing and interpersonal skills, the ability to work under deadlines and on multiple projects in a detail-oriented and fast-paced environment. Good oral communications skills also needed. The position offers excellent benefits.

The Policy Associate is under the supervision of the Policy Director and will be expected to work with the Policy Analyst and the Director of Federal Relations in a variety of projects related to mental health policy and federal legislation. Responsibilities include:

• data collection and research analysis;
• development of fact sheets, legislative alerts and policy reports;
  tracking of federal legislation and policy initiatives;
• technical assistance to various stakeholder groups on mental health policy;
• literature searches and case study research; and
• representing the Bazelon Center on task forces, coalitions, conferences and meetings.

Requirements: Undergraduate degree in public policy, mental health or related area; relevant experience of at least 1-2 years; graduate degree preferred.

Salary commensurate with experience.

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to (no phone calls ):

Karen Smith, Executive Assistant
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
1101 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
fax: (202) 223-0409

Please mark the cover page or envelope: Policy Associate Position

Application deadline: February 22, 2008