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Manager Public Records

Tacoma Public Schools May 16,2017 Location Tacoma WA
This job is expired...

Academic

Legal Staff

Education

Government / Public Law

Litigation

Litigation - Whistleblower - CFTC

Min 5 yrs required

Profile

Expected Start Date:  07/01/2017

Salary Level: $74,044 - $87,941 DOE

Job Summary:
Under the general administrative direction of the General Counsel, this position provides legal assistance, analytical and administrative staff support, and coordination on behalf of the legal services office on a wide variety of legal issues that affect employees and students of the Tacoma Public School District; conducts investigations of alleged employee and student misconduct; manages public records requests and facilitates records management for the Tacoma Public School District.

Responsibilities:
1. Works with the General Counsel, other in-house counsel, and outside counsel to respond to discovery requests in litigation / administrative proceedings; gathers records and information for and coordinates responses to interrogatories and requests for production; drafts responses to complaints and agency requests for information; communicates with opposing counsel, pro-se litigants, hearing officers, administrative agencies and others as directed; monitors and adheres to case specific timelines.
 2. Interviews and prepares witnesses and materials for trials, arbitrations, and administrative/personnel/student hearings; prepares materials for hearings/proceedings, including witness and exhibit lists and related notebooks; attends interviews with agency investigators, as directed; prepares litigation reports; drafts other affidavits/declarations, briefs, motions, findings and settlement agreements.
3. Researches issues; gathers data, conducts interviews, does legal research as applicable; drafts responses/memoranda for General Counsel, School Board, and Superintendent or other administrators, as needed.
4. Advises the General Counsel and other in-house counsel about situations or potential problems that may lead to litigation, and provides follow-up as directed.
5. Gathers and reviews information in response to subpoenas duces tecum; advises parents and employees regarding disclosure of records; notifies counsel and provides requested materials; advises and provides training to District personnel regarding release of student records.
6. Ensures compliance to the Tacoma Public School District with the Washington Public Records Act (PRA), including, but not limited to:
    a. Receives and logs all oral or written requests for disclosure of public records; evaluates requests, seeks clarification as needed and determines estimated time for providing records;
    b. Provides initial responses to requests within five business days; provides notification that additional time is needed as appropriate to the request; coordinates record/data gathering; reviews records; notifies third parties as appropriate; determines applicable exemptions under the PRA and other applicable laws/case law; makes necessary redactions;
    c. Copies records or provides access to records; provides copies of records for disclosure; prepares cover letters or emails to the requester citing specific exemptions and/or redactions; maintains complete files of public records requests with the District’s responses;
    d. Consults with General Counsel or Assistant General Counsel throughout the process and to determine clarification of legal issues regarding each request as needed. Provides assistance to District counsel if legal action ensures;
   e. Recommends processes to ensure and assist in compliance with the PRA.
7. Facilitates Tacoma Public School’s records retention program; updates appropriate administrators, regarding records retention schedules and their obligations regarding records to be retained related to anticipated, threatened or pending litigation and coordinates with appropriate staff, including, but not limited to school personnel, department heads, technology and support staff, regarding records retention; recommends processes/procedures to ensure compliance with records retention requirements.
8. Prepares written updates to the General Counsel regarding developments in case law and statutory provisions relating to public records, recommends policy/regulation/procedures relating to compliance with PRA and records retention issues; provides assistance and training to District staff regarding PRA and records retention obligations.
9. Responds to citizens and staff regarding legal and District procedures or refers to other staff or agencies as appropriate; consults with appropriate personnel for the purpose of ensuring that appropriate assistance/referral is being provided.

OTHER JOB DUTIES
1. Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned; stays current in practices and research on matters for assigned responsibilities.
2. Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in law, business, public administration, or a related field with emphasis on research and analysis from an accredited college or university and five years of experience as a paralegal, preferably in a school district setting; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of and skill in investigation techniques and legal research.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws, including the Washington Public Records Act.
  • Skill in obtaining, clarifying, analyzing and exchanging information.
  • Skill in effective written and oral communication.
  • Skill in making training presentations.
  • Ability to effectively work with detail.
  • Ability to gather and analyze data and make recommendations.
  • Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple activities, prioritize work efforts, manage competing time demands, shift priorities to meet immediate needs and focus on critical items, meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socio-economic setting.
  • Ability to be an effective team member, is cooperative
  • Ability to marshal resources (people, material, support, funding) to get things done; garner cooperation of others.


Required Licenses/Special Requirements
Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Working Conditions
Office environment with frequent use of keyboard (computer), sitting, standing, walking, bending/stooping/kneeling; experiences frequent interruptions; often required to shift tasks and priorities to meet immediate needs; manage competing time demands, experiences occasional contacts with distraught and angry people; required to travel to Tacoma Public School and community sites; occasionally required to travel out of town; required to work extended hours as needed; required to lift, push or carry materials up to 30 pounds.

 

Company info

Company Profile

Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) is one of the largest districts in Washington State serving approximately 30,000 children in preschool through grade 12. The district has 35 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 10 high schools and 4 early learning centers. 17 schools are designated as innovative, with our eighteenth opening in the fall. TPS has nearly 5,000 employees and is one of the largest employers in Tacoma