Senior Policy Associate – Mental Health

National Center for Youth Law 

The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) works to amplify youth power, dismantle racism and other structural inequities, and build just policies, practices, and culture in support of young people. Our efforts advance justice through research, community collaboration, impact litigation, and policy advocacy that fundamentally transforms our nation's approach to education, health, immigration, foster care, and youth justice. Our vision is a world in which every young person thrives and has a full and fair opportunity to achieve the future they envision for themselves.

Position  

NCYL seeks a Senior Policy Associate to help advance mental health care for children and youth, with a focus on supporting our California research and policy advocacy work. This is a great opportunity for an individual who has knowledge of and experience with California’s children’s mental health system to contribute to systems-level impact and reform.

Essential Functions 

• Provide strategic, logistical, and administrative support to the Health Team on mental health projects
• Coordinate and facilitate focus groups, interviews, and other events with youth, families, and providers
• Assist in policy development, integrating youth and community voices with data review and research to build creative, multi-dimensional advocacy strategies.
• Draft policy briefs and other advocacy materials
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with external partners, such as state and local mental health advocacy coalitions
• Produce high quality, research-based training, program, and promotional materials
• Connect and facilitate conversations among the public, community stakeholders, and elected officials

Qualifications 

• At least two (2) years of experience working in or with California’s children’s mental health system, as an attorney, advocate, mental health provider, social worker, or other direct service provider
• A least five (5) years of experience in research and training development
• Experience working with youth and families
• Ability to use a racial justice lens
• Understanding of culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices
• Knowledge and understanding of NCYL’s mission 
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Requires ability to work remotely and may require occasional travel.

Salary and Location

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary is competitive at $85,676.00 annually. A geographic salary differential may be applied if the candidate resides somewhere other than San Francisco, CA, Los Angeles, CA, or Washington, DC. 

This position is eligible for 100% remote work for 2022. Candidates must reside in CA, AZ, Rhode Island, DC, VA, MD, NY or WI. It is possible that in 2023, NCYL will require people to work in an office, in which case they will need to be in a location where they can commute to the office regularly. We are actively engaging in this conversation as an organization and don't know what remote work will look like in 2023.

Benefits

NCYL provides a robust benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, generous vacation and sick benefits, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, employer contribution to a retirement plan, and short-term and long-term disability insurance.

How to Apply  

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Please, no calls or emails. 

NCYL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, ethnic background, sex, disability, size, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, or genetic information. Applicants with personal experience within a public system, applicants of Color, and applicants who will increase the diversity of NCYL are strongly encouraged to apply.