Staff Attorney Investigator - Human Rights Commission

State of Vermont • Montpelier, VT

403d

About The Position

The Staff Attorney Investigator is responsible for investigating allegations of discrimination in various sectors, including housing, state government employment, and public accommodations. This role involves developing and executing investigation plans, conducting legal research, taking sworn testimony, reviewing documents, and preparing detailed reports with findings and legal analysis. The investigator also recommends policy changes, engages in conciliation efforts, drafts settlement agreements, and may provide training to various agencies and individuals. The position requires significant independence and is performed under the direction of the executive director.

Requirements

• Law Degree and/or completion of requirements for admission to Vermont Bar.
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and public/community service.
• Knowledge and understanding of investigative principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate facts and applicable law in complex cases with minimal legal precedence.
• 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 prepare detailed reports that may be 20-40 pages long.
• Demonstrable track record of sound judgment and working thoroughly and objectively on confidential matters.
• Qualifications to work in administrative and legal settings or court proceedings.
• Knowledge of negotiation and mediation principles preferred.
• Experience with a trauma-informed approach to lawyering and communication.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop curricula and deliver training to various constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to make public presentations.
• Ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated dispute and conflict resolution skills.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Investigate allegations of discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations.
• Develop, organize, and execute investigation plans.
• Conduct legal research and take sworn testimony.
• Perform extensive document review and prepare detailed reports with findings of fact and legal analysis.
• Reach preliminary recommendations on discrimination allegations.
• Recommend changes in policies and procedures and necessary training for responding parties.
• Engage in conciliation efforts with represented and unrepresented parties.
• Draft legally enforceable settlement agreements and monitor compliance with conciliated agreements.
• Develop curricula and deliver training to various agencies and individuals, including continuing legal education seminars for attorneys.
• Conduct other Commission duties as required.

Benefits

• Salary determined in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan.
• Excellent benefits package available to all State of Vermont Exempt Employees.
• Generous sick/vacation annual leave offered by the HRC.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: No Education Listed