Application Guide

How to Apply for Black Lung Coordinator

at Appalachian Voices

🏢 About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia while advancing a just transition to clean energy. With offices across the region and a team of over 45 staff, they emphasize inclusivity and value diverse experiences. Working here means contributing to meaningful environmental and community impact.

About This Role

The Black Lung Coordinator will lead efforts to support coal miners and their families affected by black lung disease, including outreach, education, and advocacy. This role is critical in ensuring affected individuals receive benefits and in pushing for stronger protections. It combines direct service with policy advocacy to address a pressing health crisis in Appalachia.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing new case referrals, conducting phone or video outreach to miners to explain benefits eligibility, and coordinating with healthcare providers for medical documentation. You could also prepare educational materials, attend virtual coalition meetings, and update case records. Some days may include policy research or drafting advocacy letters.

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🎯 Who Appalachian Voices Is Looking For

  • Experience in case management, social work, or patient advocacy, particularly with underserved populations or in healthcare settings.
  • Deep understanding of black lung disease, federal benefits programs (e.g., Black Lung Benefits Act), and the coal mining community.
  • Strong communication skills for outreach, education, and collaboration with medical providers, legal aid, and policymakers.
  • Ability to work remotely and independently while managing multiple priorities and maintaining detailed records.

📝 Tips for Applying to Appalachian Voices

1

Tailor your resume to highlight direct experience with black lung or similar occupational health issues, even if from volunteer work.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to the mission of Appalachian Voices and the specific needs of coal miners.

3

Mention any familiarity with Appalachian communities or personal ties to the region to demonstrate cultural competence.

4

Prepare a brief writing sample or example of outreach materials you've created for similar health advocacy.

5

Research Appalachian Voices' current campaigns on black lung and mention specific initiatives in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your passion for environmental justice and the health of Appalachian communities.', "Specific experience with case management, benefits navigation, or advocacy for workers' health.", 'Understanding of the policy landscape around black lung and your ability to engage stakeholders.', 'Your ability to work remotely and independently while staying organized and empathetic.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Appalachian Voices' reports or press releases on black lung and coal miner health.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the Black Lung Benefits Act and recent legislation like the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act.
  • → Learn about the organization's other campaigns (e.g., clean energy transition) to understand how this role fits their broader mission.
  • → Research the current prevalence of black lung in Central and Southern Appalachia and key advocacy groups in the region.
Visit Appalachian Voices's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach outreach to retired miners who may be distrustful of outside organizations?
2 Describe a time you helped someone navigate a complex benefits system. What was the outcome?
3 How do you stay current on changes to black lung benefits or coal industry health regulations?
4 What strategies would you use to build partnerships with medical providers and legal aid groups?
5 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple cases with urgent needs?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention black lung or Appalachian communities specifically.
  • Neglecting to highlight any remote work experience or organizational skills needed for independent work.
  • Failing to address potential challenges like limited internet access in rural areas or miner distrust of outsiders.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Appalachian Voices!

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