Providence to hire an “Ethic Education Coordinator”

At a posted salary of $61,038, the City of Providence is looking for a full time, permanent “Ethic Education Coordinator” to start as soon as possible. It is a non-union position.

The position is advertised as supporting the City of Providence Municipal Integrity Officer, or MIO, Rosa E. Arias-Perry, whose office is in the city’s Law Department, and will develop and implement ethics education programs. The position also performs legal services for the Providence City Solicitor, listed as Jeffrey Dana on the city’s website. The department has a staff of 23, including support staff.

Other duties and responsibilities include training city employees and officials on ethics in government, providing guidance on compliance with Open Meetings and Access to Public Records Act, and assisting in responding to requests made under the Access to Public Records Act.

The position is also responsible for investigating or assisting with investigations of suits or claims against the city, assisting with preparing cases for trial to defend the city’s interests in civil matters, and advising on legal issues arising in connection with the duties of city officials and employees.

Other functions include doing legal research and rendering legal support to the City Solicitor.

The position also includes drafting of legislation, resolutions and ordinances for the Providence City Council and committees and training other attorneys in the Law Department.

The position is for a candidate with a Juris Doctor degree, and a member in good standing with a state bar. Knowledge of municipal law, precedents and sources of legal reference, judicial procedures and rules of evidence, and skills in negotiating, resourcefulness, and discretion in providing assistance and advice to department heads and staff.

Well-developed oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with a broad constituency and present information in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.

In response to an inquiry to the City of Providence, Emily W. Crowell, Chief of Communications and Senior Adviser said “The Ethics Education Coordinator position is a different position from Rosa’s position which is the Municipal Integrity Officer (MIO.)  No one is currently in the ethics education coordinator’s role.  When the position is filled, that person will work together with Rosa on ethics education and training for City employees and officials.