Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Health Reform Organizer, Consumer Health Coalition – Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 4/8/08

Consumer Health Coalition (CHC) is seeking an individual for the position of Community Organizer.  CHC is dedicated to building a consumer movement to enhance health care quality.  About 98,000 people die each year from medical errors, more than the number of people who die from AIDS, car accidents or breast cancer alone (Institute of Medicine).  And only 55% of adults receive all the care that is recommended for their particular needs (RAND).  We believe an organized consumer voice is essential to ensure that care is safe and patient-centered.

CHC also broadly supports the “Prescription for Pennsylvania” as a critical step toward improving health care quality, expanding access to health care, and controlling rising costs.  In the near term, our efforts are focused on the Cover All Pennsylvanians (CAP) program and insurance market reform portions of the proposal, as they are quickly gaining momentum in the legislature.  To achieve a significant adult coverage expansion, it is critical that CHC build diverse coalitions and organize the voice of the uninsured.

The Community Organizer’s time will be shared between building two complimentary consumer movements, enhancing health care quality and advancing the “Prescription for Pennsylvania.”  He/she will accomplish this by recruiting and organizing a broad patient base, empowering consumers to engage in the civic process, helping them to become effective advocates for their health needs, and building coalitions and developing strong partnerships.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and implement a field organizing campaign designed to increase the number of consumers involved in health advocacy in western Pennsylvania
• Strengthen the Pittsburgh health reform coalition and help to build new health reform coalitions in other areas of the western part of Pennsylvania
• Build relationships with new community partners to diversify coalition membership
• Manage monthly coalition meetings (i.e. location, agenda, minutes, other logistics)
• Recruit at-risk consumers for health quality and “Prescription for PA” advocacy
• Empower consumers to engage in advocacy activities (i.e. letter writing campaigns, phone calls, sharing their stories, organizing events such as press conferences and forums)
• Work with the media to enhance awareness about the need to improve health quality
• Coordinate advocacy events including town hall meetings, rallies, press conferences, letter writing campaigns, candlelight vigils, phone slams, legislative visits, etc.
• Support the Executive Director with marketing, communications, and fundraising activities related to education and community organizing
• General office maintenance and administrative staff support as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree required; masters degree in related field preferred
• At least 2 years professional experience in community and/or political organizing required
• Demonstrated ability to build diverse coalitions and work with multiple stakeholders
• Experience working with at-risk populations, specifically the uninsured, people with low-incomes, individuals from minority backgrounds, and people with disabilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate with consumers, staff at health/human services organizations, and elected/appointed officials
• Outstanding organizational skills, including ability manage various projects simultaneously
• Commitment to social justice and quality, affordable health care
• Strong leadership, collaborative, and team building skills
• Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently
• Strong work ethic and ability to think strategically
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exhibit patience and compassion

PREFERRED

• Understanding of public health, health policy, and health politics
• Strong analytic and political skills, including a thorough understanding of the political and legislative processes surrounding Pennsylvania health policy
• Basic Microsoft Access skills

OTHER

• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel within central and western PA
• Must be willing to travel to Harrisburg at least once per month
• Must be flexible to work some evenings and weekends on occasion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the Internet

Consumer Health Coalition (CHC) is an equal opportunity employer. People of minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, women, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Benefits: Health and dental benefits, paid holidays and sick leave, 3 weeks vacation annually (accrued), life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability

TO APPLY: Please send resume with cover letter to:
Consumer Health Coalition
Attn: Community Organizer application
650 Smithfield Street
Centre City Tower, Suite 2130
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Email: lbachurski@consumerhealthcoalition.org
Fax: (412) 456-1096

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

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