Job Description

Overview

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of several national entities: the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Corporation, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, and the Administrative Services Group.

Basic Commitment: This position calls for a basic commitment to Jesus Christ and to the Christian faith, as well as a basic commitment to the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as noted in its theological confessions, the Book of Order, and the actions of the General Assembly.

Responding to the changing contexts in which the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) supports the PC(USA)’s mission in the 21^st century, OGA prioritizes its work within the church as developing and strengthening relationships, leadership (re)formation, with attention to equity and justice. In this work, this position calls for a mindset that is innovative and courageous, and faithful and Spirit-led. 

The Paralegal II (Safe Spaces Advocate and General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission Support) demonstrates a commitment to continue to dismantle white supremacy, sexism and racism in the Office of the General Assembly and the PC(USA).  The position fosters collaboration, innovation and openness with colleagues, constituents, and the wider church.

Job Skills / Requirements

Purpose of the Position: This position will support the covenantal life of the PC(USA) in two different ways: 1) by assisting and staffing the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission (GAPJC) with administrative paralegal-style work, and 2) by serving as an advocate for keeping all church spaces safe from abuse. This position will also coordinate the relationship between the Office of the General Assembly and the Insurance Board and Praesidium, Inc. around abuse prevention and responses. 

Responsibilities (in order of importance, the essential responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to):

1. Coordinate scheduling, case filings, and documentation for GAPJC hearings and trials;
2. Collaborate with the Assistant for Committee and Administrative Support to ensure logistics of GAPJC meetings and deliberations are arranged and communicated;
3. Partner with Manager for Judicial Process and Social Witness and Associate Director for Constitutional Interpretation to:
   1. provide advice for mid-councils and congregations around abuse prevention, and policies and procedures;
   2. Provide advice on responding when abuse occurs and trauma-informed healing practices for a congregation when abuse occurs within a congregation;
   3. Receive and refer reports of individuals reporting abuse;
4. In partnership with General Counsel, serve as coordinator of the relationship between OGA and the Insurance Board and Praesidium, Inc.;
5. Other duties as assigned by the Office of the General Assembly.

Education: Bachelor’s degree

Skills, experience and competencies:

This position requires a person who is/has

• A strong Christian faith, a deep commitment to and active ministry in both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the church ecumenical, and a passion for the gospel are essential qualities for the person to be selected for this position.
• effective communication skills, both oral and written;
• ability to work in a consultative and collaborative style;
• demonstrated ability or capacity for group facilitation and consultative work;
• demonstrated commitment to valuing differences and the benefits to be derived from working with a broad range of people;
• demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion and to increasing intercultural competence;
• ability to effectively manage interpersonal relationships;
• a thorough knowledge of, or a desire and ability to learn, the mission, polity, systems, and structure of the PC(USA);
• a commitment to appropriate confidentiality and knowledge of laws and policies related to the reporting of abuse;
• ability to use current technology and equipment.

Sensory or Physical Requirements: Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Ability to travel domestically to attend meetings and the biennial General Assembly as needed. Ability to transport and use computer and other technological equipment.

Desired Qualifications:

• fluency in Spanish, Korean, or another language.
• paralegal training and/or experience

Additional Information / Benefits

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues at the Presbyterian Center.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Pension Plan, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending accounts, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation Days, Sick Days, and Paid Holidays.