DORA/Division of CivilRights: Legal Assistant I (Intake Specialist)
The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado.
Consumer protection is our mission.
DORA values and promotes diversity, supporting a workforce that is inclusive of people from different backgrounds and experiences; creating an environment that is reflective of our communities; promoting positive relationships; and putting forth unique perspectives to fulfill our mission.
DESCRIPTION OF JOB:
The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) is charged with enforcing the State's anti-discrimination laws through conducting administrative investigations into complaints of unlawful discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. CCRD promotes awareness of civil rights laws through training, education, and outreach efforts to groups and individuals across the state. We work in cooperation with federal and local agencies, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (HUD/FHEO), as well as community-based organizations that promote and protect civil rights.
Position: SDA 3106
As part of CCRD's Intake Unit, this position is responsible for drafting charges of discrimination and gathering evidence in the initial stages of filed cases concerning discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations. This position ensures that the division possesses all information necessary to draft complaints of discrimination, and works in collaboration with the Intake Manager to resolve problems related to case processing and complaint drafting.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Reviewing and screening paper and electronic intake packets received from potential complainants who are interested in filing complaints of discrimination;
- Drafting formal complaints of discrimination based on the information collected;
- Analyzing intake information and evidence to establish jurisdiction;
- Describing chronology of events and ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of accepting and drafting the complaint;
- Providing information to the public via telephone, mail, e-mail, fax, and walk-ins regarding the process for filing a complaint of discrimination by relying on applicable laws, rules, policies, and drafting correspondence to inquiries as needed;
- Maintaining knowledge of current legal standards and federal contractual requirements and provides information to the public via telephone, mail, fax, email, and walk-ins regarding the filing of a complaint of discrimination;
- Providing backup assistance to the front desk customer service representative as necessary by responding to and answering public inquiries via telephone, mail, e-mail, and walk-ins regarding the filing of a complaint of discrimination and general division policies and rules, and timely referring such inquiries to appropriate staff; and
- Maintaining accurate records of intake statistics (e.g number of inquiries received each day, complaints drafted, electronic filing system entries, etc.) and submits weekly reports to the supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (MQs):
- A paralegal certificate is obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited college or university.
*You must attach a copy of your paralegal certificate to your application materials.
Document this experience in your application IN DETAIL, as your experience will not be inferred or assumed. Part-time experience will be prorated.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Two years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents, and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate.
- A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate.
*Professional work involves exercising discretion, analytical skill, judgment and personal accountability, and responsibility for creating, developing, integrating, applying, and sharing an organized body of knowledge that characteristically is: uniquely acquired through an intense education or training regimen at a recognized college or university; equivalent to the curriculum requirements for a bachelor's or higher degree with major study in or pertinent to the specialized field; and continuously studied to explore, extend, and use additional discoveries, interpretations, and application and to improve data, materials, equipment, applications, and methods.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate;
- Experience working in a regulatory environment or in a law firm;
- Experience working with and/or knowledge of the laws, rules, and policies of the ColoradoCivil Rights Division;
- Experience communicating with people of diverse cultural, ethnic, and/or socioeconomic backgrounds;
- Demonstrated experience working in a high stress, fast-paced, high profile environment, and adapting to shifting priorities;
- Experience utilizing case management databases;
- Fluency in Spanish, including the ability to read, write, speak; and
- Experience working with federal and local agencies, such as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (HUD/FHEO) to promote and protect civil rights.
Required Competencies:
The following knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics are required competencies and may be considered during the selection process (including examination and/or interview):
- Demonstrated oral communication skills, including the ability to verbally communicate effectively to a diverse audience;
- Demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to draft correspondence to diverse audiences in a clear, concise manner;
- Demonstrated sound judgment, including the ability to determine the appropriate course of action when reviewing intake information;
- Demonstrated customer service skills, including the ability use de-escalation techniques;
- Demonstrated attention to detail in order to evaluate documents and ability to maintain confidentiality;
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with various staff members and stakeholders;
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and regulations to ensure compliance;
- Demonstrated organizational skills, including prioritization and time management in order to meet deadlines with minimal supervision;
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple caseloads;
- Problem-solving skills, including the ability to review and analyze information in order to recommend solutions;
- Self-starter, self-motivated, self-directed, reliable, and accountable, including the ability to work independently while effectively managing workload;
- Demonstrated ability to conduct legal research to gather pertinent information;
- Demonstrated flexibility, including managing a frequently changing workload with minimal supervision;
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with various and multiple audiences to develop solutions, alternatives, and compromise;
- Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
- Demonstrated ability to understand and abide by workplace principles, practices, and behaviors as internally identified and defined by the division;
- Demonstrated adaptability and the ability to work within set procedures and systems;
- Professional demeanor;
- Proficiency in the use of PC software applications including Microsoft Office (Access, Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Suite (Doc’s, Sheets, Slides, etc.), and in the use of databases.
Conditions of Employment:
Candidates who fail to meet the conditions of employment will be removed from consideration.
- The successful passing of a reference check and/or, if required, a background check.
- A reference check may include but is not limited to: contacting previous and current supervisors to verify employment and discuss performance, a review of the personnel file, a review of the performance record, etc.
- Local, regional, and statewide travel is required up to 5% of the time, occasionally attendance at weekends and/or evening events is also required.
- Position requires the ability to transport equipment including, but not limited to, laptop computers, manuals, and supplies.
For more information on this job announcement and how to apply for this position, please visit our website:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/3164322/dora-division-of-civil-rights-legal-assistant-i-intake-specialist?