Legal Advocate (Hourly): Central Administration

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

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;
• 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.

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.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 804-659-8424

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