Commission on Human Relations - Principal Assistant

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As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is the City’s official civil rights agency. We enforce an important set of laws that prevent discrimination and promote equality. 

PCHR works to: 

• Enforce anti-discrimination laws, especially the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance. 

• Administer the Fair Chance Hiring law, which prevents discrimination against people with criminal records. 

• Investigate complaints of discrimination and violations of civil rights laws. 

• Resolve community conflicts through dialogue and other dispute resolution methods. 

• Educate the public on their legal rights and responsibilities. 

• PCHR is led by a nine-member commission, appointed by the mayor. This commission decides disputed complaints and conducts hearings to educate and inform the public. 

PCHR works to make sure that everyone in Philadelphia has equal rights and opportunities.

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.  

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and legal principles relevant to the Commission’s jurisdiction. 

• Administrative law, civil rights law, employment law, housing law, public accommodations law, or other related legal areas. 

• Legal research methods and techniques. 

• Investigative and mediation practices and procedures. 

• Principles and practices of policy development and program administration. 

• Principles of training development and public education. 

• Court procedures, subpoena practices, and administrative hearing processes. 

Skill in: 

• Conducting legal research and analysis. 

• Drafting legal memoranda, complaints, policies, training materials, and public guidance documents. 

• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies to complex factual situations. 

• Conducting presentations and educational trainings for diverse audiences. 

• Mediating disputes and facilitating conciliation efforts. 

• Organizing and managing multiple cases, projects, and deadlines simultaneously. 

Ability to: 

• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. 

• Work collaboratively with attorneys, investigators, intake staff, leadership, and external stakeholders. 

• Exercise sound legal judgment and maintain confidentiality. 

• Analyze facts, identify legal issues, and develop practical recommendations. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community organizations, and the public. 

• Supervise interns, volunteers, and program participants effectively. 

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree. Membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar or eligibility for admission to the Pennsylvania Bar within a specified period of appointment. 

At least seven years of progressively responsible legal experience involving civil rights law, administrative law, employment law, investigations, mediation, litigation support, public sector law, or a related field. 

TO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $90,00 - $110,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx