Commission on Human Relations - Principal Assistant

The City of Philadelphia offers a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and opportunities for growth and impact. With a workforce of over 30,000 people across more than 1,000 job categories, the City values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work.

About the Agency

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is the City’s official civil rights agency, enforcing laws that prevent discrimination and promote equality. PCHR works to:

• Enforce anti-discrimination laws, including the City’s Fair Practices Ordinance.
• Administer the Fair Chance Hiring law to prevent discrimination against people with criminal records.
• Investigate complaints of discrimination and civil rights violations.
• Resolve community conflicts through dialogue and dispute resolution.
• Educate the public on legal rights and responsibilities.

Led by a nine-member commission appointed by the mayor, PCHR ensures equal rights and opportunities for all Philadelphia residents.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal guidance on inquiries and complaints submitted to the Commission.
• Work with intake staff to identify potential legal claims and draft complaints for investigation.
• Review complaints from outside counsel for jurisdiction and legal sufficiency.
• Prepare legal issue summaries and documentation for investigators.
• Conduct legal research on federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and judicial decisions.
• Advise and train non-legal staff on interviewing, complaint drafting, investigative methods, and discovery practices.
• Develop and revise intake forms, templates, and operational materials to comply with legislation.
• Create and update training programs and educational resources for staff and external stakeholders.
• Conduct outreach and training sessions for community groups, employers, and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate on public education materials, including brochures, posters, and guidance documents.
• Review proposed legislation with senior staff and the Law Department to assess its impact on Commission operations.
• Develop policies, procedures, and operational standards for consistency in Commission processes.
• Monitor legislative, judicial, and administrative developments affecting the Commission’s jurisdiction.
• Provide legal guidance during case reviews with investigators.
• Prepare responses to subpoenas and legal requests for records.
• Represent the Commission in professional organizations, community meetings, and public events.
• Develop, implement, and administer the Commission’s mediation program.
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteer mediators, providing legal and procedural guidance.
• Maintain mediation program documents, procedures, and scheduling systems.
• Address procedural or substantive issues during mediations.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor degree.
• Membership in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar or eligibility for admission within a specified period.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible legal experience in civil rights law, administrative law, employment law, investigations, mediation, litigation support, public sector law, or a related field.

Skills

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and legal principles relevant to the Commission’s jurisdiction.
• Administrative law, civil rights law, employment law, housing law, public accommodations law, or related areas.
• Legal research methods and techniques.
• Investigative and mediation practices and procedures.
• Policy development and program administration.
• Training development and public education.
• Court procedures, subpoena practices, and administrative hearing processes.

Skill in:

• Conducting legal research and analysis.
• Drafting legal memoranda, complaints, policies, training materials, and public guidance documents.
• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies to complex factual situations.
• Conducting presentations and educational trainings for diverse audiences.
• Mediating disputes and facilitating conciliation efforts.
• Organizing and managing multiple cases, projects, and deadlines.

Ability to:

• Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys, investigators, intake staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Exercise sound legal judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Analyze facts, identify legal issues, and develop practical recommendations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community organizations, and the public.
• Supervise interns, volunteers, and program participants effectively.

Benefits

• Transportation: Unlimited free public transportation via SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Parental Leave: 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health benefits for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness Program: Eligibility for discounted medical plans.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement: Generous retirement savings options.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Education: Tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40%) through partnerships with local colleges and universities, extending to spouses and dependents in some cases.

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 – $110,000.

The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.