Commission on Human Relations - Principal Assistant at Cityof Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA

Job description

This position performs advanced legal and policy work in support of the Commission’s enforcement, investigative, mediation, educational, and policy development functions. The employee provides legal guidance regarding complaints and inquiries submitted to the Commission, supports investigations through legal analysis and complaint review, and assists in the development of policies, procedures, trainings, and public education materials related to the Commission’s work.    Work includes advising investigators and intake staff on legal and procedural issues, conducting legal research, drafting legal analyses and interpretations, assisting with mediation and conciliation efforts, monitoring legislative and judicial developments, and representing the Commission in external meetings and trainings. The employee also develops educational programming and supervises legal interns and volunteer mediators.    Work is performed with considerable independence under the direction of senior leadership.    Essential Functions  Provide legal information, guidance, and assistance regarding inquiries and complaints submitted to the Commission.  Work closely with intake staff to identify potential legal claims and draft complaints for investigation.  Review complaints submitted by outside counsel to ensure proper jurisdiction and legal sufficiency.  Prepare legal issue summaries and supporting documentation for investigators assigned to complaints.  Conduct legal research related to federal, state, and local laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and administrative rulings relevant to the Commission’s work.  Advise and train non-legal staff on interviewing techniques, complaint drafting, investigative methods, discovery practices, and related procedures.  Develop, revise, and maintain intake forms, templates, legal analysis documents, and other operational materials to ensure compliance with new or revised legislation.  Create and update training programs, instructional materials, and educational resources for Commission staff and external stakeholders.  Conduct educational and outreach training sessions for staff, community groups, employers, advocacy organizations, and other outside entities.  Collaborate with senior staff to develop brochures, posters, guidance documents, and public education materials explaining existing and newly enacted legislation.  Collaborate with the Executive Director and Deputy Director, and Law Department to review proposed legislation and evaluate its impact on Commission operations and enforcement activities.  Assist in developing policies, procedures, and operational standards to ensure consistency in Commission processes and practices.  Monitor federal, state, and local legislative developments, as well as relevant judicial and administrative agency decisions affecting the Commission’s jurisdiction and operations.  Conduct case reviews with investigators and provide legal guidance regarding investigative findings and recommended actions.  Prepare responses to subpoenas and other legal or administrative requests for records and information.  Represent the Commission in professional organizations, industry groups, affinity organizations, community meetings, and public events.  Develop, implement, and administer the Commission’s mediation program.  Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteer mediators and provide substantive legal and procedural guidance as needed.  Create and maintain mediation program documents, procedures, and scheduling systems.  Remain available throughout mediations to address procedural or substantive issues that arise during the process.  All other duties as assigned