VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SPRING 2016
NEW EXTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY SUMMER 2016
Health and Policy Legal Intern
The Kennedy Forum
The Kennedy Forum was launched by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy in October 2013. A
united campaign to end stigma against mental health and substance use disorders, The Forum is
focused on changing both attitudes and practice. Our vision is a future where all persons are
treated with dignity and receive the person-centered mental and physical care and support they
need to thrive and achieve their goals.
The Parity Project
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA or Parity Law) promised
equity in the insurance coverage of mental health and substance use disorder care, but years
later mental health parity is still not a reality and too many Americans continue to be denied
care when they need it the most.
The Kennedy Forum is working with policymakers and regulators to push for clear regulations
and guidance to implement the law in the commercial market and in Medicaid managed care
and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. The Kennedy Forum is also calling for strong,
public enforcement of the law.
Parity also depends in large part on consumers knowing their rights. The Kennedy Forum is
committed to educating consumers and health care providers about the Parity law and providing
them the tools and resources they need to ask for the treatment and services that are guaranteed
under the law and to appeal denials of care when they occur.
Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for assisting a variety of tasks for a nonprofit health organization
focused on mental health and addiction health policy, with a special focus on parity laws. Duties
include but not limited to: Researching specific legal and policy issues, drafting memos, policy
issue briefs and fact sheets, managing and participating in workgroup meetings and recording
the minutes, and other related tasks as needed. The intern will work with both the Executive
Director and KFI’s Legal Policy Advisor.
Qualifications:
● Law students must have completed their first year.
● A genuine interest in health law.
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Good communication skills, in particular, writing.
Motivated to work and learn.
Be able to work quickly and pay attention to detail.
Time Commitment:
● Full or Part time hours are acceptable.
● Interns who work part time are asked to commit to working half days with a consistent
schedule.
Benefits:
● Will be given the opportunity to work law under the supervision of a seasoned policy
team and with a licensed attorney.
● Will gain a greater understanding of the internal workings of the healthcare system and
public health.
● Will have further refined valuable research and legal skills that can be carried into the
future.
“We stand on the doorstep to make momentous progress in advancing the
cause of this new civil rights struggle started by the work of President
Kennedy over 50 years ago.”
— Patrick J. Kennedy
Students interested in this opportunity should provide Ms. O’Brien with a cover letter,
résumé and unofficial transcript at the email address listed below by February 5, 2016.
Please indicate which semester you are applying for in your cover letter.
Contact:
Kelly O’Brien
Executive Director
The Kennedy Forum Illinois
1543 N Wells Street
Chicago IL 60610
312-532-4881
kelly@thekennedyforum.org