Note: you must apply through our website: https://www.dcunited.com/careers/ and you must fill out all fields of the application (including the salary range with a number) to be considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:

Legal Assistant/Player Welfare Officer

Effective Date:

ASAP

Supervisor:

General Counsel

Employment Status:

Full Time/Exempt

Location:

Audi Field - DC

Department:

General & Admin

JOB SUMMARY

In the legal assistant/Player Welfare Officer role, you will be responsible for promoting and protecting the rights of players, including youth, with D.C. United, Audi Field, and affiliated organization operations as well as support and assist the General Counsel, technical side, and human resources departments as instructed. You will be expected to stay updated with changes in league, federation, local, state, and federal laws and regulations as they pertain to youth and player protection. You will be responsible for minor athlete protection and investigations as well as organization compliance with SafeSport, integrity, and other best practices or industry norms. Success in this role will be demonstrated by providing timely and valuable input and solutions, in a problem solving manner, by assisting in maintaining full league, human resources, and legal compliance, and by helping management make sound and lawful business decisions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure operations are conducted in compliance with all Club, USSF, FIFA, League, Governmental, and other regulations, policies, and risk management, including SafeSport.
• Implement and monitor player welfare and support services.
• Support any relevant host family (domestic or in-house) or other residential programs, including drafting policies, recruitment, vetting, reviewing annually and monitoring.
• Act as liaison and provide support for family of players
• Serve as lead point of contact and investigator for reporting of welfare concerns, including safeguarding issues
• Liaise with the police, local children's protective services and the relevant football authorities where appropriate
• Support welfare risk analysis, which includes risk identification and development of appropriate mitigating actions, processes, procedures and activities
• Provide support to matches, clinics, tournaments, events and other programs to ensure that welfare principles are applied appropriately across these elements of the business
• Establish welfare program implementation plan and monitor progress against plan
• Produce quarterly reports and an annual review of the welfare program to Club leadership teams
• Assist Legal and/or Human Resources department with recruiting of relevant staff, including criminal record screening and safeguarding database screening in accordance with local laws and regulations
• Maintain accurate records in respect of training, screening, background checks and concern referrals and ensure all sensitive data and information is held securely and in accordance with data protection regulations
• Conducts periodic league and legal compliance assessment.
• Monitors updates in laws and regulations.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree required; focus in Psychology, Education, Social Work or Criminal Justice preferred

• 2+ years of relevant experience and training in social care-related areas and/or safeguarding/child protection
• Sports-related graduate or post-graduate qualifications or training preferred
• The candidate must demonstrate professionalism, punctuality and proper ethical behavior
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively and with integrity
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals including minors
• Knowledge of children's social care systems, contemporary safeguarding practice and legislation, government guidance, SafeSport, MAAPP, and other policies and procedures to safeguard players
• Working knowledge and understanding of inclusion, equality and anti-discrimination legislation, policy and practice
• Experience adapting to unpredictable circumstances, prioritizing responsibilities, assessing situations fairly and multi-tasking effectively
• Ability and willingness to travel if necessary

• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment and contribute to collective goals.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Prior experience with professional sports organization is beneficial (but not required).
• Passionate about sports and inquisitive.
• Accessible and flexible with schedule and able to work on short notice.
• You must provide proof of COVID-19 Vaccination prior to start date.
• You must successfully pass a background check

COMPETENCIES (KSAs)

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong evaluation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of resilience with the ability to be impartial and remain calm under difficult circumstances
• Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques
• Excellent time management skills and proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to function well in high-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgement.
• Ability to exercises consistent, sound and independent judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• N/A

SCHEDULE

• 9:00am- 5:30pm EST
• Primary work location will be in Washington DC
• Flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the season schedule and departmental or investigative needs.

COMPENSATION

• Based upon qualifications and experience with an anticipated range of $45,000 - $60,000 Annually
• Standard benefits

D.C. United is committed to uplifting our community, staff, and club. We are seeking candidates to be a part of our journey in our quest for continued organizational growth and another MLS Cup.

D.C. United will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

D.C. United is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). D.C. United reaffirms its commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. D.C. United is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. D.C. United is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, pregnancy, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with the requirements of all federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions can include hiring, termination, compensation, benefits, promotion, training selection, or other statuses or conditions of employment. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skills, knowledge, abilities, job performance, and other appropriate qualifications.