What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Director, Michigan Elder Justice Initiative Nursing Home Transparency and Accountability Project position at Michigan Advocacy Program?
POSITION: The Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) is seeking a full-time staff person to oversee its Nursing Home Transparency and Accountability Project. The position is funded initially through March 31, 2026 with the possibility of an extension if additional funding MEJI is currently seeking becomes available. Applicants wishing to work part-time (fewer than 30 hours/week) may be considered. All MEJI staff are based out of the Lansing office with either a hybrid or 100% remote work schedule. Candidates must reside in Michigan.
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM: MEJI advocates for and represents low-income older adults and people with disabilities on issues related to long term care, healthcare, benefits, elder abuse, and individual rights. MEJI houses the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, the MI Health Link and MI Choice, Community Transition Services and PACE Ombudsman Programs, and it engages in litigation and systemic advocacy efforts on behalf of vulnerable adults. MEJI has long advocated for quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents and for appropriate utilization of public funding to support nursing home residents and staff.
MEJI is part of Michigan Statewide Advocacy Services (MSAS), a non-profit law firm providing free legal services to low-income individuals and older adults through several statewide programs. MSAS is administered by the Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP), which provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through civil legal aid offices and statewide advocacy programs. MAP’s mission is to advance the safety, independence, and economic stability of those most affected by poverty, racism, and other structurally oppressive systems by increasing access to justice and working for systemic solutions. Visit miadvocacy.org for more information.
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: While MEJI’s has been a vigorous advocate for nursing home residents since its inception, its demands for better staffing, care, and enforcement of current state and federal requirements have often been stymied by nursing home industry claims that they cannot afford to do better and are already in precarious financial straits. However, around the country, advocates and government entities are uncovering numerous strategies nursing home corporations employ to hide billions of dollars of profits that could be used to improve care and staffing. MEJI was selected by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care (“Consumer Voice”) to collaborate and advocate for increased transparency and accountability in Michigan nursing home financing and began this work in the spring of 2024. Through this joint effort, MEJI has access to voluminous documents and to national experts who are assisting MEJI in analyzing the financing strategies Michigan nursing home corporations use. Once MEJI completes its research and analysis phase of the project this spring, it will seek a variety of effective advocacy strategies to publicize its findings and promote more transparency and accountability in Michigan nursing homes. MEJI is also exploring related projects it intends to pursue if sufficient funding becomes available.
The person hired for this position will direct MEJI’s nursing home transparency and accountability project and, with the assistance of MEJI staff and contractors, be responsible for research, analysis, communications, leadership of the project Advisory Board, serving as the point person with Consumer Voice, coordination with governmental and advocacy organizations, and development and implementation of an advocacy plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties of the Nursing Home Transparency and Accountability Project Director will include, but not be limited to:
- Reviewing and tracking research, publications, and developments around the country related to nursing home transparency and accountability
- Researching issues related to nursing home financing and transparency
- Writing papers, testimony, or other communications for the project
- Convening and facilitating the Advisory Board
- Serving as the project contact person and coordinator
- Identifying and coordinating with advocacy partners
- Working with the media and governmental agencies
- Devising and implementing an advocacy strategy or strategies to promote greater nursing home transparency and accountability
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must have strong writing, research, advocacy, and project development and management skills. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to be meticulous and precise in analyzing data, strategic in developing the project’s action plan, and an effective advocate for the project’s goals. Policy and legislative advocacy experience and work with the media strongly preferred. Knowledge of nursing home or health care financing, regulation, and advocacy and public speaking experience would be particularly helpful.
BENEFITS: This is a full-time, exempt position with an annual salary starting at $68,080 depending on experience; applicants with the required 5 years of relevant experience. This position is a long term care policy specialist on our salary position table. MAP offers a generous benefits package including life, short- and long-term disability, health, vision, dental and flexible spending accounts. If an applicant does not require health benefits, they have the option to take a $1,500 payout in addition to the base salary. MAP also has a generous leave policy beginning with 3 weeks paid vacation and 15 paid holidays, as well as a 401K retirement plan including employer match for eligible staff after 6 months of employment. MAP is a qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Part-time staff are not eligible for benefits and earn pro-rated leave time.
TO APPLY: Please complete this application and submit your resume and cover letter. You can also access the application by copying and pasting the following web address into your browser: https://miadvocacy.bamboohr.com/careers/184. The position is open until filled; applications received by February 21, 2025 will receive priority. If you have questions about the program or the position, please email MEJI’s Director and Managing Attorney, Alison Hirschel at hirschel@meji.org.
MSAS/MEJI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Salary : $68,080
