Human Rights Commission Staff Attorney Investigator

State of Vermont•Calais, VT

8d•$60,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Human Rights Commission seeks a dedicated Staff Attorney Investigator to join our small team working to uphold, defend, and advance civil rights in Vermont. The successful candidate will join a passionate team of colleagues committed to a Vermont in which all people, regardless of identity, have access to a life free of discrimination. The Staff Attorney Investigator is responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination in housing, state government employment, and places of public accommodations (schools, prisons, restaurants, law enforcement, hospitals, etc.). The staff attorney investigator develops, organizes, and executes an investigation plan which includes conducting legal research, taking sworn testimony, conducting extensive, complex document review, and preparing a detailed report with findings of fact, legal analysis of the relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law before reaching a preliminary recommendation of whether there are or are not reasonable grounds to believe that discrimination occurred. Additionally, the position recommends necessary training and/or changes to practices and procedures for responding parties, engages in conciliation efforts with represented and unrepresented parties, drafts legally enforceable settlement agreements, and monitors compliance with conciliated agreements. All staff are also required to conduct other Commission duties as required. Work is performed with significant independence and autonomy under the direction of the executive director. Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting in Montpelier. Some travel is required for which private means of transportation is necessary. Staff attorney investigators must work closely with the public and maintain an atmosphere of fairness and impartiality. Staff attorney investigators must be comfortable questioning hostile witnesses. Investigating discrimination complaints involving a range of cooperation and hostility, under competing deadlines and other constraints, may be stressful. The successful candidate will be an attorney with profession and/or lived experience confronting power imbalances, managing stress, and communicating about necessary supports. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights and public/community service.
Knowledge and understanding of investigative principles, procedures, and techniques including:
Knowledge of and experience with interviewing and interrogating witnesses.
Ability to analyze and evaluate facts and applicable law in novel and complex cases with minimal legal precedence and guidance.
Demonstrated ability to analyze, evaluate, and summarize voluminous documentary evidence.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal anti-discrimination statutes and relevant case law.
Ability to read and interpret regulations and policies of considerable complexity with minimal supervision and support.
Ability to prepare detailed reports that include factual and legal analysis that may be 20-40 pages in length.
Demonstrable track record of displaying sound judgment and working thoroughly and objectively on matters of extreme confidentiality.
The qualifications to work in administrative and other legal settings or court proceedings.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Experience working with a variety of population groups, including people with limited English proficiency, people with diverse racial and ethnic identities, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial and effective working relationships.
Ability to work independently.
Demonstrated dispute and conflict resolution skills.
The successful candidate must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar, or eligible for admission.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the principles and practices of negotiation and mediation preferred.
Experience bringing a trauma-informed approach to lawyering and communication.

Responsibilities

Investigating allegations of discrimination in housing, state government employment, and places of public accommodations (schools, prisons, restaurants, law enforcement, hospitals, etc.)
Developing, organizing, and executing an investigation plan which includes conducting legal research, taking sworn testimony, conducting extensive, complex document review, and preparing a detailed report with findings of fact, legal analysis of the relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, and case law before reaching a preliminary recommendation of whether there are or are not reasonable grounds to believe that discrimination occurred.
Recommending necessary training and/or changes to practices and procedures for responding parties
Engaging in conciliation efforts with represented and unrepresented parties
Drafting legally enforceable settlement agreements
Monitoring compliance with conciliated agreements
Conducting other Commission duties as required