Office of Human Rights

Compensation

Full Description

Are you looking for a rewarding career in social justice? The D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR) is hiring a Chief Administrative Judge! Located in the heart of the nation’s capital, the D.C. Office of Human Rights (OHR) is one of the country’s premier civil rights enforcement agencies, enforcing some of the most progressive civil rights laws in the United States. Our team is comprised of a diverse group of people who share a commitment to social justice. We are currently seeking a talented individual to fill the vacant Chief Administrative Judge position within OHR’s Hearing Unit. If you are interested in joining this dynamic team, please apply below. This position is in the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) Hearing Unit, and works with the Commission on Human Rights (Commission). The mission of OHR is to investigate and resolve unlawful discrimination complaints in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education, by enforcing federal and District of Columbia civil rights laws, rules, and regulations, including the DC Human Rights Act, the DC Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Criminal Record Screening Act, the Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other laws that OHR enforces. The Hearing Unit and the Commission on Human Rights adjudicate discrimination claims at public administrative hearings after OHR has investigated and made a probable cause finding. In addition, the Commission independently processes ineligibility determination appeals under the Criminal Background Checks for the Protection of Youth Act of 2004. Duties and Responsibilities The Chief Administrative Judge (“CAJ”) is responsible for initiating, formulating, planning, executing, and directing the activities and the overall functioning of the OHR Hearing Unit and the Commission’s Office, to include supervising administrative judges and hearing examiners, advising the Chair of the Commission on Human Rights, the General Counsel of OHR, and the Director of OHR on matters pertaining to the Hearing Unit and the Commission on Human Rights. The incumbent brings technical and administrative expertise to the position, including in civil rights, employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and/or administrative adjudication, providing guidance, direction, and assistance regarding OHR and Commission matters. Develops goals and objectives to implement strategies of the Hearing Unit and Commission, subject to approval by the Director of OHR. Any decisions affecting major policy issues or proposals, controversial matters, or highly sensitive issues, including any proposed changes to the Hearing Unit or Commission procedures or changes to any rules or regulations governing the Hearing Unit or Commission are brought to the attention of, and discussed with, the Director of OHR and Chairperson of the Commission, prior to any final decision. Participates in the hiring and supervision of OHR’s Administrative Judges, Law Clerks, legal assistants, interns, and any other Hearing Unit staff, and holds regular staff meetings with subordinates, addressing policies and procedures, customer service issues, and the expeditious processing of cases before the Hearing Unit and the Commission. Plans and assigns work to subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and the requirements of the assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Evaluates the performance of subordinates. Gives advice, counsel, or instructions to individual employees on both substantive and administrative matters. Hears and resolves complaints from subordinates, referring grievances and the more serious complaints not resolved to higher level supervisors. Identifies developmental and training needs of subordinates, providing or making provision for such development and training. Qualifications and Education Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position which has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skill and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with the District of Columbia Bar is preferred. Licenses and Certifications None. Work Conditions/Environment The work is sedentary primarily requiring no unusual physical demands. Other Significant Factors Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30PM Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential Pay Plan, Series and Grade: MS-0930-15 Collective Bargaining Unit: Non-Union Duration of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service. This is a Management Supervisory Service (MSS), at-will appointment. All positions and appointments to the MSS serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause. Position Designation: This position has been deemed Security Sensitive under the guidelines of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure. Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment. EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy) gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.