Attorney Advisor Unit Supervisor

State of Massachusetts; Boston (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in Boston, MA seeks an Attorney Advisor Unit Supervisor to oversee a team of Attorney Advisors and the Investigations Division. The role involves supervising, training, evaluating, and advising on complex cases, while ensuring compliance with discrimination laws and agency policies.

The incumbent will work closely with the Chief of Investigations and General Counsel, review legal work, develop procedures, and lead investigations, dispositions, and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and MA bar admission required.
• At least three years of professional legal experience.
• Experience supervising Attorney Advisors and investigations.
• Knowledge of agency procedures and anti-discrimination law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Attorney Advisors and evaluate performance.
• Oversee investigations and dispositions.
• Review legal work and ensure compliance.
• Develop policies and procedures for the division.
• Collaborate with Chief of Investigations and General Counsel.

Skills

Leadership

Team-building

Communication

Labor law

Anti-discrimination knowledge

Travel flexibility

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Massachusetts Bar admission

Job description

Attorney Advisor Unit(AAU) Supervisor

MCAD is an independent state agency whose mission is to eradicate discrimination and enforce the state's anti-discrimination laws. MCAD may undertake a preliminary review of a complaint to determine if further investigation would serve the public interest and may dismiss a complaint at such stage, subject to the provisions set forth in the Commission's Rules of Procedure. Incumbent of this position exercises direct supervision over the Attorney Advisors and the Unit, and as such will: supervise, plan, review, and evaluate Attorney Advisor work product and performance; provide on the job training for employees; review and analyze reports and documents prepared by direct reports for accuracy, completeness, and content; resolve unit issues and/or problems; monitor for compliance purposes various activities, services and functions for an assigned agency program; oversee and assist in the performance and review of investigations and recommendations; and perform related work as required. Incumbent will assist the Chief of Investigations in overseeing the day to day operations of the Investigations Division (Division), and as such will: evaluate complaints and pleadings, determine jurisdiction on Complaints and develop policies regarding procedures for the Division; assist in the recruitment, hiring and training of Division staff and interns: advise the Chief of Investigations on matters of agency function, staffing and legal matters; and interpret rules, regulations, statutes, guidelines and applicable contracts and laws. /Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all-inclusive):/

• Supervise, plan, review, and evaluate work product and performance of Attorney Advisors.
• Supervise and monitor various activities, services, or functions of the Attorney Advisor Unit through observation, interviews, holding regular unit meetings, performance evaluations, and/or conferences in order to ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, program goals, and to provide verbal and written feedback regarding performance, including the timely completion of Unit Employee Performance Review Forms (EPRS).
• Manage and supervise Attorney Advisors and assigned unit activities in order to ensure efficient and effective operations and compliance with laws, rules, regulations and policies, including complaint review through CCMS, motions, investigative dispositions, and appeals.
• Work alongside The Chief and Deputy Chief of Investigations and Investigative Supervisors to monitor investigations as necessary.
• Review legal work for the unit, including dispositions, Orders, subpoenas, and legal memoranda.
• Resolve legal issues; conduct legal research and writing.
• Oversee the resolution of initial jurisdictional issues in cases encountered during the processing of a complaint.
• Review cases with the intent of identifying novel legal issues, which may be of interest to the Commission in establishing new law or public policy. Refers those cases to the General Counsel and Chief of Investigations for consideration for Full Commission review.
• Provide on-the-job training for employees and successfully onboard new Attorney Advisors.
• Advise agency staff on legal matters by interpreting laws, rules, regulations, and judicial or quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to agency operations.
• Assist in developing policy and procedures consistent with regulations and statutes in ensuring case processing and management.
• Assist the Chief of Investigations in overseeing day-to-day operations of the Division.
• Advise the Chief of Investigations on matters of agency function, Division staffing, legal matters, and interpretation of rules, regulations, statutes, guidelines, and applicable contracts and laws.
• Acts as a liaison and communicates effectively with assigned agency personnel in order to provide information concerning compliance with the provisions of laws, rules, regulations, etc.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, parties, and attorneys in order to provide information concerning agency policies and procedures and laws, rules, and regulations governing agency activities.
• Review draft investigative dispositions.
• Conduct Lack of Probable Cause appeals asassigned, andmake recommendations on disposition.
• Review and analyze reports, memoranda, etc., prepared by subordinates for accuracy, completeness, content, and to take appropriate action to resolve problems.
• Confer with Chief of Investigations, other management staff, Commissioners and other agency personnel in order to provide information, to resolve problems and/or to recommend changes in policies and procedures.
• Perform other related investigative and administrative duties and functions as required by the Commission.
• Provide back-up services and functions for the Attorney Advisors Unit and to the Chief of Investigations as needed.
• Participate in training seminars and speaking engagements as designated by the Chief of Investigations.
• Keeps the Chief of Investigations timely informed regarding activity in the unit and any personnel matters.
• Appropriately and timely recognizes the individual achievements of unit members. 1. All other duties as assigned /

Preferred Qualifications

/ Significant problem-solving, consensus-building, and team-building skills. Superior ability to communicate effectively, in written and oral presentations, the Commission's mission, goals, and objectives. Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of anti-discrimination and labor law. Experience working and managing personnel in a union environment. Ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically and tactfully. Ability to travel for job-related purposes. /

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity /affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: *Legal Services Organization: *Commission Against Discrimination Title: *Attorney Advisor Unit Supervisor

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

• Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place Requisition ID: 260004Q0