Legal Advocate (Hourly): Central Administration #WH010

Title: Legal Advocate (Hourly): Central Administration #WH010

State Role Title: AdmLaw Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

Hiring Range: $44.69 - $70.57

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Corr - Central Admin

Location: DOC Headquarters

Agency Website: www.vadoc.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Legal Advocate will be responsible for representing the Virginia Department of Corrections (the Department) in employee grievance proceedings brought under the Commonwealth’s State Grievance Procedure (Va. Code § 2.2-3000, et seq.) The Legal Advocate represents the Department in all aspects of the employee grievance hearing before administrative hearing officers and the Director of the Office of Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR), Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). The selected candidate will: Develop the case strategy; Participate in the pre-hearing conferences; Make pre-hearing motions; Draft pre-hearing or post-hearing briefs; Request and disseminate orders for witnesses as needed; Collect and determine relevant documents to enter into evidence; communicate with witnesses as necessary; prepare for hearings; present the Department’s case at the hearing to include making opening/closing statements, questioning witnesses and admitting evidence; and represent the Department on requests for administrative review to the EDR.

Position will be Remote, based out of Atmore Headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, May require periodic travel throughout the state for in person hearings.

This is a wage position limited to working no more than 1,500 hours per agency during the 12 month period of May 1 – April 30, regardless of the hire date. The wage employment period resets on May 1 of the following year. All wage employees are limited to working no more than 29 hours per week on average over the 12-month period. This wage position offers no state benefits.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and/or knowledge of the state administrative grievance hearing procedures and state employee personnel matters, including the Virginia Personnel Act. Experience advocating in an administrative proceeding, civil litigation, or other adversarial legal setting on behalf of an organization or client.

The selected candidate should have the following abilities:

• Ability to persuasively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage document production.
• Ability to conduct administrative investigations, examine witnesses, and conduct necessary research, including state and federal laws and Department and DHRM policies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze, critically think, and exercise judgement, when necessary.
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and exercise effective time management.
• Ability to develop an organized and persuasive case strategy to include presentation of opening and closing statements, admission of documentary evidence and questioning of witnesses in an easy to understand, chronological manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of employees within the Department.
• Ability to work independently and without supervision.
• Ability to travel to participate in hearings statewide.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with Department management and state officials.
• Ability to analyze and counsel Department management on the probable outcome of cases and issues/concerns that arise in the preparation for the hearing.

Additional Considerations

Advanced knowledge, course work training, or prior experience representing state agencies or private employers in civil litigation, including employment law matters, and/or administrative proceedings. Comprehensive knowledge of state agency organizational functions and Department Corrections' processes and practices. Demonstrated ability to draft and review settlement agreements.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

If selected as a finalist with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks based on the position.

Drug Testing Requirements: Applicants applying to a designated safety sensitive position are subject to a pre-employment drug screen. Marijuana use is prohibited for positions that require possession of a firearm or a Commercial Driver’s License in the performance of official duties such as Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, Tractor Trailer Drivers and others.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VADOC is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VADOC values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply. Click here for more information: Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program - Virginia Department of Veterans Services.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-659-8424

Email: EMAILED APPLICATIONS/RESUMÉS / WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS POSITION

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.