WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1966, CRLA’s mission is to fight for justice and individual rights alongside the most exploited communities of our society. California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. offers legal services that defend the rights of the rural poor and change the unjust systems that oppress them. Our advocates believe that rural communities can thrive and that the justice system can be worked to the advantage of people who reject poverty and discrimination. The work we advance spans an impressive gamut of venues and stands on a bold legacy of success and a vision for the prosperity of our clients.

• Position: Deputy General Counsel
• Experience: 8 years
• Application Deadline: Open until filled
• Location: (Modesto); travel required
• Term of Employment: Full-Time
• Other: FLSA Exempt, Non-Union Position

Overview

CRLA’s Deputy General Counsel provides key legal and strategic counsel related to employee and labor relations, compliance, internal policies, and organizational development. You collaborate to align the strategies of these areas of responsibility with the organization's overall purpose, mission, and strategic planning goals. You and the General Counsel will ensure that the organization operates within the law, offer counsel on legal issues, be an effective guardian of the organization, and facilitate business strategies that ensure legal compliance and limit risk exposure. The Deputy General Counsel reports to the General Counsel.

Essential Responsibilities
Human Resources & Employee Relations

• Ensures all necessary internal policies, programs, and procedures are developed and implemented in accordance with CRLA’s mission and strategic goals, relevant legislation, and employee/labor relations best practices.
• Serves as a legal resource for Senior Leadership on human resource issues, employment law matters, and organization-wide initiatives and liaises with outside employment counsel.
• With the HR Director and under the collective bargaining agreement(s), establish policies and procedures/mechanisms for accountability and performance management. Provides consultation and support with respect to performance management and alignment with organizational strategic goals to improve morale and increase overall staff participation.
• Provides direction and policy interpretation to CRLA managers in their respective areas of responsibilities; offers counsel and advice in handling special employee and labor relations matters to rectify operational and administrative concerns.
• Ensures the Leadership Team is apprised of and updated on employee relations matters and developments and provides relevant information and guidance.

Labor Relations

• In concert with the General Counsel and the HR Director, plans, implements, directs, and maintains the organization’s labor relations. Provides legal expertise, support, and advice to all organizational levels on matters related to labor legislation, regulations, and labor relations practices.
• With the HR Director, manages the administration of the grievance and grievance resolution process, including collaborating to ensure solution-oriented, community-minded conflict resolution processes.
• Manages alternative dispute and conflict resolution approaches for issues identified by the Leadership Team.

Compliance

• Provides strategic oversight regarding integration of compliance with regulatory standards across programs and operations
• Under the direction of the General Counsel, evaluates and analyzes contracts and agreements and makes recommendations for ensuring compliance with city, state, and/or federal regulations and the contract's intent, spirit, and terms.
• Works closely with the General Counsel and outside counsel as a representative of the organization before various state and federal boards, court systems, commissions, agencies, mediators, and arbitrators.
• With General Counsel, ensures compliance with regulations governing the organization's operation by monitoring ongoing operations and implementing reparative actions as required; ensures that all assigned departments and areas of responsibility appropriately document and comply with regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Oversees the development and implementation of quality and compliance programs, mitigating the potential of compliance-related risks affecting CRLA’s reputation, security, safety, and sustainability of client service.
• Develops training materials related to legal requirements and best practices to remain compliant with labor and employment legislation, case law, and regulations

Management & Leadership

• Exemplifies and inspires behaviors, actions, and attitudes consistent with CRLA’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• With General Counsel, advises the Leadership Team on future employment law organizational needs and the impact of emerging trends and priorities.
• Articulates and constantly monitors key metrics of the HR department to assess their efficiency and effectiveness to ensure and provide the highest level of service.
• Assess risks to the organization and recommend appropriate action to mitigate risks.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Support the establishment of policies and programs that promote an equitable, sustainable, supportive organizational culture and vision.
• Model appropriate leadership behavior and conduct and take swift action to mitigate behaviors that compromise CRLA values.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, ensure a culture of knowledge sharing and continued learning.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Knowledge Skills and Ability:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal statutory and regulatory requirements related to areas of direct functional responsibility and HR administration
• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, administration, fiscal and personnel management, and labor relations.
• Strong communication skills, ability to take complex concepts and provide guidance in an easily understandable manner
• Demonstrates objectivity, sensitivity, and a balanced perspective regarding employee concerns and organizational expectations
• Ability to interpret and analyze legal materials and union contracts
• Demonstrated successful negotiation with unions, including resolving employee grievances and engaging in union-related arbitration
• Provides strong leadership and has the ability to influence others positively
• Ability to understand and use data, analytics, and technology to drive process changes
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to foster effective working relationships and build consensus

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Compensation & Benefits:

We offer a diverse, family-friendly environment and compensation based on competitive public interest salaries. The pay range for this position is $125,000 to $140,000 per year. Generous benefits package that includes 100% employer-covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance for employees and up to 50% for dependent coverage. A 401K retirement plan with CRLA contribution effective immediately. Generous paid leave policy, which includes 15 days of sick leave, 15 holidays each year, and vacation (accrue 15 days for the first year of service and 20 days after one year of service at CRLA).

CRLA requires that all employees be Fully Vaccinated, defined as a CDC-approved COVID vaccination and one booster shot. This offer is contingent on meeting this requirement. The complete vaccination policy, including the process for reasonable allowable accommodations, is available for your review upon request.

CRLA invites all applicants to include in their cover letter a statement about how your unique background and/or experiences might contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and legal services practice.

California Rural Legal Assistance thrives on our diversity, and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, persons of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups to apply.