Chief Certification Counsel

Closing Date: 16th July, 2024

Description:

A Resume is Required for This Job Posting

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document that is not a Resume or CV.
*Please upload a copy of your official/unoffical transcripts for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licenses you possess to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application***

Note: The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board must verify and have proof of higher education and coursework (if applicable) for any degree earned before any offer can be extended.
Answer all questions thoroughly- Do Not State See Resume*

Position Overview:
This position, under the direction of the Chief Legal Counsel, serves as the agency's Chief Certification Counsel. The ideal candidate for this position will have the ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and effectively both verbally and in writing, work in a fast-paced environment, be highly organized, and be capable of multi-tasking to keep up with the demands of a busy and growing agency. ILETSB is conveniently located in Springfield with a satellite office in Chicago and free parking on-site at both locations. Employees enjoy excellent benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; a retirement plan and deferred compensation options; state holidays and other time off; flexible work schedules; and pre-tax benefit programs.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the Board's Chief Certification Counsel.
• Confers with the Chief Legal Counsel on a regular basis
• Provides legal advice on the best course of action regarding diverse legal issues facing the Board from outside law enforcement agencies.
• Provides legal advice on compliance with State laws and the Illinois Police Training Act.
• Conducts all administrative legal procedures regarding discretionary decertification as contained in the Police Training Act.
• Drafts and files formal complaints.
• Presents pleadings and evidence.
• Provides legal oversite over all matters associated with the law enforcement certification process.
• Travels to and attends all Board meetings and committee meetings, as well as certification hearings and other related legal proceedings.
• Drafts, administers, and implements policies concerning legal matters regarding certification of law enforcement officers.
• Provides direction and oversite on the processing of legal inquiries, subpoenas, documents, records, and regulations.
• Ensures that certifications, investigations, and legal staff handle and process documents within legal restraints and confidentiality requirements.
• Assists investigative and executive staff in all matters of certification-related investigations.
• Reviews and interprets arrest and criminal records.
• Advises on the interpretation of statutes, administrative rules, codes, policies, and other regulations governing law enforcement and correctional officer conduct.
• Responds to requests for information and documentation relative to department operation as part of the agency's compliance audits.
• Provides legal advice and guidance to the Professional Standards Division management and staff.
• Meets with certifications and investigations staff on all matters regarding applications for initial officer certification, reactivation, verification, and training waivers.
• Reviews and discusses issues of eligibility for law enforcement and corrections recruits.
• Reviews criminal history reports related to certification requests.
• Interprets State statutes, rules, and policies affecting officer conduct.
• Reviews professional conduct reports pertaining to any ongoing investigation, certification, reactivation, verification, or waiver request.
• Makes recommendations as to denial, approval, or conditional approval of any requests pertaining to law enforcement certification.
• Serves as full line supervisor.
• Assigns and reviews work.
• Provides guidance and training to assigned staff.
• Counsels staff regarding work performance.
• Reassigns staff to meet day-to-day operating needs.
• Establishes annual goals and objectives.
• Approves time off.
• Adjusts first level grievances.
• Effectively recommends and imposes discipline, up to and including discharge.
• Prepares and signs performance evaluations.
• Determines and recommends staffing needs.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to four years of college, possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, and possession of a current and valid Illinois law license.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Eight (8) years or more of experience in criminal litigation.
• Eight (8) years or more of experience working with judicial procedures.
• Eight (8) years or more of experience working with the rules of evidence.
• Eight (8) years or more of work experience participating in hearings and trial proceedings.
• Five (5) years or more of prior work history including staff supervision, utilization, and motivation.
• Five (5) years or more of prior work history requiring a thorough understanding of State and Federal law as applicable to criminal justice, law enforcement, and law enforcement agencies.
• Knowledge of State government operations and the legislative process.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel & Internet applications.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires possession of current and valid Illinois license to practice law.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and employee may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry-related topics relevant to job duties.
• This position is considered medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(c)). Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. This job may require a good deal of walking or standing and involves sitting for long periods of time.
• Requires the ability to pass a criminal background and work history check.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the state agency mandated to promote and maintain a high level of professional standards for law enforcement and correctional officers. Its purpose is to promote and protect citizen health, safety, and welfare by encouraging municipalities, counties, and other governmental agencies in their efforts to upgrade and maintain a high level of training and standards for law enforcement personnel. The Board is responsible for developing and providing quality training and education, setting professional standards, and aiding in the establishment of adequate training facilities. By constantly adapting to changes in technology, the ever?changing face of crime in the United States, and society's demands on those entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing its laws, the Board plays a crucial role in the professionalization of policing in Illinois. The Board is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to building and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. The Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board is a drug ?free workplace.

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