The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) is an independent office in the legislative branch responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) of 1995. The CAA generally extends rights and protections of 14 employment and labor laws to covered employees in the legislative branch of the federal government, including Congress. OCWR has a staff of 30 professional employees.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) is an independent office in the legislative branch responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) of 1995. The CAA generally extends rights and protections of 14 employment and labor laws to covered employees in the legislative branch of the federal government, including Congress. OCWR has a staff of 30 professional employees.
OCWR is charged with providing an alternative dispute resolution process, adjudicative hearings and appeals for covered legislative branch employees and education and information on the CAA to Members of Congress, other employing offices, and employees of the legislative branch. Under the direction of the General Counsel, the office also conducts health and safety inspections, inspections to ensure public access to individuals with disabilities, and investigates labor management disputes. The Executive Director and General Counsel work in cooperation to accomplish the mission of the Office.
The Executive Director provides overall leadership and operational direction for the effective management of the Office, financial management and implementation of a $7.5 million dollar budget, oversight of the alternative dispute resolution system, and provision of education and information to employees and employing offices of the legislative branch.
The Executive Director works closely with and under the review of a five member Board of Directors, who are appointed by the joint leadership of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Major Duties
You MUST be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust - Tier 4 investigation. A criminal background check will be performed on the selected candidate. If you possess a Top Secret security clearance, please indicate the level and termination date in your resume.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450. You will need to provide the information annually to the House Ethics Committee.
Full time appointment for a statutory five-year term subject to renewal for an additional five year term.
The successful candidate must display strong management, leadership and organizational skills, as well as unassailable level of ethics and integrity.
Must have 10 years of specialized experience giving you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the position.
The ideal candidate will also have a background that includes the following:
Broad knowledge and expertise in the application of governing employment and labor laws;
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, leadership and motivational skills;
Experience in providing overall leadership and operational direction for the effective management of an organization, including management of staff, budgets, and programs.
Personal qualities of judgment, confidence, resourcefulness, flexibility and creativity. High energy, commitment and a passion for excellence.
Diplomacy, tact, and political acumen.
An ability to listen well and the needed courage of conviction to represent the best interests of the OCWR.
A commitment to the mission of the organization and a broad understanding of the operation of the legislative branch and facility with technology in the workplace including computer literacy.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience with the media;
Legislative, congressional and/or government relations experience and executive experience;
Experience in the organization and operation of the legislative branch;
Typically we would find this experience in work within the field or a field that is closely related.
Specialized Education:
Juris Doctorate Law Degree;
Graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and a possible interview. Candidates will be notified and scheduled for interviews, if selected. All applicants will be evaluated based on their educational and relevant work experience.
OCWR does not discriminate against candidates based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran/military status or disability.
Resume and cover letter.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please send resume and cover letter to: Katherine Simmons, Human Resources Specialist, at jobs@ocwr.gov.
Resumes and cover letters received after the closing date will not be considered.
For more information about OCWR, please visit https://www.ocwr.gov/.
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualification and determine whether to conduct an interview.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.