The Organizational Development Specialist will report to the ILS Director. This position will help ILS leadership focus on positive organizational transformation and effectiveness, best practices for hiring diverse employees, onboarding new employees, responding to employee concerns, and implementing strategies to enhance employee retention. This position will also serve as a much-needed safe and neutral place for employees to report concerns and suggestions and receive responses to questions they may have about benefits and other state resources available to them.

The essential functions of this position will include, among others:
• Assist ILS leadership in developing a strategic plan for diversity and inclusion and oversee integration within the overall agency strategy.

• As part of the Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, assist ILS leadership in developing a strategic plan to organize ILS hiring in a way that advances ILS’s DEI values.

• Support and train ILS office leadership and supervisory staff on various HR issues.

• Assist in the development and implementation of new program initiatives, policies, procedures, and special projects. This position will also provide oversight of the preparation and updating of the ILS Employee Handbook and other relevant ILS HR materials.

• Advise all ILS office employees and respond to their human resources inquiries, including providing expertise on time and attendance rules and regulations, medical and other leave management including workers’ compensation, continuous and intermittent FMLA leave and personal leave.

• Provide a safe and neutral space for ILS staff to identify and develop a plan to address office concerns and suggestions. Work closely with the ILS Staff Resource Group.

• Supervising employee onboarding and exit processes and assisting in the hiring and exit interview process.

• Work closely with the ILS DEI Liaison and ILS leadership to ensure ILS is focused on recruiting, hiring, and retention efforts that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and cultivate an office atmosphere in which all employees feel that their diverse experiences and perspectives are respected.

• Work closely with the Administrative Officer and ILS DEI liaison on compliance with state DEI data collection and reporting requirements.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in an organization.

*Alternatives: Four years of specialized experience or an associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree; A doctoral or master’s degree may replace one year of specialized experience. Ph.D. May replace two years of specialized experience.

Note: In order to give appropriate credit for work experience, the resume must include the month and year for the start and end dates. If any of this experience is less than full-time, you must indicate the average number of hours worked per week.

Additional Comments Travel may be required (approximately 10%), including during evenings and weekends, depending on assignment and mission.

• Possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is required, or proof of ability to meet the transportation needs of the job.

The mission of Indigent Legal Services (ILS) is to improve the representation provided to people facing criminal charges or family court proceedings who cannot afford an attorney. Our agency’s work is transforming criminal defense and parent representation, while helping people in crisis achieve greater justice in criminal cases and keep families safe. Join us to help shape statewide policies and practices and make a profound impact on statewide justice. Be part of a team of dedicated professionals who share your commitment to a fairer and more just society.

ILS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. These values ​​not only guide our work; We believe they are essential to achieving our mission to improve mandated representation in New York State. ILS employees share responsibility for creating a more inclusive workplace. Diverse voices and perspectives only strengthen our ability to create transformative change. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

ILS welcomes candidates without regard to age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital or familial status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, or history of criminal conviction.

We offer a comprehensive New York State benefits package, including:
• Medical, prescription, dental and vision benefits
• Life insurance
• Paid personal leave, vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Paid family leave
• Calculate health care spending
• Dependent Care Benefit Account
• Membership in the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System
• Voluntary defined contribution plan
• Deferred compensation plan

ILS employees are eligible to apply for part-time telework and/or modify work hours in accordance with ILS policies, subject to supervisor approval.

The DC area is a great place to live with a low cost of living with neighborhoods ranging from urban to rural areas just a short drive away. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or an art lover, there’s something for everyone. From the beautiful mountains that surround the city to the historic churches, museums, and pre-Revolutionary War architecture. With a history spanning 300 years, there is so much to enjoy and explore.

Employees may be able to obtain loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For more information about PSLF, please visit www.studentaid.gov/publicservice.

New York State is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be submitted to the DRA and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at RAinquiries@OGS.NY.Gov.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.