Job Description

This attorney role ensures statewide compliance with Unified Judicial System (UJS) rules and policies on language and disability access, as well as state law and federal requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the language access under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing statewide policies for Supreme Court approval; researching and analyzing trends affecting ADA and language access; responding to inquiries from federal, state, and local agencies; and serving as a liaison between the AOPC and court related or external entities seeking guidance on court operations. The attorney works independently and requires sound judgment, discretion, and strong analytical skills. This position offers flexibility to be based in either Philadelphia or Harrisburg.

Job Duties

• Supervises staff by assigning work, setting goals and deadlines, and communicating priorities. Holds regular staff meetings and ensures accountability. Provides mentoring, coaching, counseling, and training on duties, skills, and internal policies. Builds an effective team and positive workplace culture. Completes performance evaluations and drafts job descriptions as needed. Delivers consistent, constructive feedback and recognition. Addresses performance issues and policy violations, resolves conflicts and complaints, and recommends disciplinary action when appropriate. Reviews and approves time off.

• Manages the development and maintenance of standards, rules and procedures for the judiciary to remain in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and relevant UJS policies.

• An attorney who provides legal advice, counsel, support and technical assistance to judicial districts to ensure that programs, services and activities of the Pennsylvania courts are accessible to the public. Represents the judiciary in administrative investigations involving Title VI and Title II issues.

• Guides departments and judicial districts on developing strategies to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and rules on ADA and language access.

• An attorney who serves as the point of contact for regulatory activities including directly reporting to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on behalf of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

• Ensures UJS entities create, maintain and communicate language access plans and ADA public access policies.

• Develops, coordinates, and presents educational and training programs for judiciary personnel regarding LAP, ADA, and compliance with UJS policies, including the Minor Judiciary Education Board, PJ/PACM, the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges, and state/local bar programs.

• Leads statewide working groups, implementation committees, and focus groups on ADA and language access.

• Secures grant funding to support judicial districts and the AOPC in meeting Title VI requirements.

• Creates and oversees development, production, and distribution to judiciary personnel of training material (manuals, policy templates, I Speak cards, benchcard, posters) to assist them in compliance with Title VI.

• Conducts outreach to justice partners and other entities to raise awareness of UJS language and disability access services and programs.

• Oversees the AOPC's Interpreter Certification Program (ICP) staff.

• Coordinates with AOPC's IT Department and judicial district staff to collect data on interpreter service provision across the judiciary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an ABA-approved law school.

• Admission to the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, AND

• Three years of progressively responsible legal experience.

Additional Requirements

• Satisfactory criminal background check required.

Job Highlights

• No billable hours. State government position.

• 13 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 12+ paid vacation days per year.

• C omprehensive, low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans for employees and eligible family members on the 1st day of employment.

• Salary increases, employee assistance programs, and State retirement plans.

• 6 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees.

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

Salary information

Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Applicants requiring accommodation, for any part of the application and/or interview process, should contact Human Resources at (717) 231-3309 or human.resources@pacourts.us.

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