Legal Assistant

Position works within the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC). Incumbent investigates allegations of discriminatory practices pertaining to the Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Laws, gathers and analyzes documents relevant to the charge via interviews and onsite investigations, prepares a written summary of the investigation & makes recommendation as to whether or not there is probable cause. May occasionally testify at evidentiary and appeal hearings. Key Responsibilities Conduct interviews of complainants, respondents and witnesses via phone, office interview, or onsite interview, using generally accepted investigative interviewing principles. Analyze gathered information, including interviews, comparative information & statistical information. Concise written articulation of violations (or non-violations) in a case analysis that include relevant facts, interviews, observations, & conclusions gathered, using appropriate formatting as determined by supervisor. Carry a case load where at no time the number of "aged" cases (180+ days) can exceed 15% of an investigator's case load. REPACE investigators must submit a minimum of three (3) cases per month and complete legal review of at least 3 cases per month. Maintain and update appropriate case file records (chronology) and appropriate databases consistently. Establish effective working relationships with coworkers, clients and/ or the public by serving as a resource to educate and train others regarding Civil Rights Laws and the work of the ICRC. Perform legal analysis for completed case investigations. Job Requirements Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the Indiana Civil Rights Law, Commission rules and regulations, court decisions falling within the area of Civil Rights. Specialized knowledge of the principles, practices, and the past and current trends of Civil Rights Field on a state and national level. Ability to secure and analyze data and testimony relevant to all areas covered by the Indiana Civil Rights law including housing, credit, public accommodation, and education. Ability to conduct difficult and involved investigations and make recommendations to the director regarding disposition. Ability to understand legal concepts and to relate prior decisions to specific cases. Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office Suite. Difficulty of Work Incumbent considers a wide variety of factors and variables in analyzing conflicting aspects of civil rights complaints. Judgment is utilized in the selection of appropriate laws, regulations and court decisions in recommending appropriate disposition of the charge. Work involves gathering and analyzing data relating to charges of violation of the Indiana Civil Rights Law. Responsibility Incumbent reviews each case assigned, applying standardized regulations and procedures. Any deviation from these guidelines is referred to the supervisor for a decision. Instructions are general in nature and anticipated, unusual problems are discussed. Incumbent may, in the absence of the supervisor, make timely judgments as needed. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions. Personal Work Relationships Incumbent works in a team environment and with staff attorneys and mediators in attempts to negotiate terms of settlement of cases involving alleged violations of the Indiana Civil Rights Law. #J-18808-Ljbffr