FUNCTIONAL PURPOSE
The purpose of this position is to assist the General Counsel in providing advice/guidance to key staff and administrators regarding legal matters ensuring the equitable enforcement of School Board policies across the district.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide advice and interpretation of law and Board policy for District administrators and key staff; provide counsel most frequently in matters of school law including, but not limited to, enrollment issues, custody disputes, and confidentiality of student and employee records; review orders and documentation sent from school staff to aid in forming legal opinion.
- Assist in conducting investigations, as needed, of instances of personnel misconduct; make reports and recommendations of policy violations to General Counsel.
- Provide advice and representation for school district in grievance matters; meet and prepare Superintendent and other administrators in advance of hearing; prepare witnesses and documentation for Board's review; present arguments to Board panel on behalf of Superintendent and the District's interests.
- Conduct investigations of potential policy or legal violation resulting from anonymous reports or parent/staff complaints; if necessary, create a report or assist General Counsel in creating a response to same; depends on severity of the issue
- Draft and review contracts submitted by school staff and various departments; Collaborate with outside agencies to create contracts that protect the interests of the District; Attend meetings or telephone conferences to discuss contract issues or to resolve disputes; make recommendations to General Counsel on revisions or amendments; and suggest modifications or revisions at request of General Counsel.
- Assist staff members in responding to subpoenas and other requests for information; Assist Paralegal in coordinating staff court appearances with the District Attorney's Office or the law office that issued the subpoena; Counsel employees on preparing for court and answer any questions they may have; Ensure compliance with FERPA; If necessary, file objections to subpoenas that interfere with FERPA or other law.
- Assist in representing Board of Education in administrative proceedings involving local or state employment agencies (related to unemployment claims), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Office of Civil Rights; Prepare for telephone or in-person hearings (ESC); Compile information in response to formal complaints and inquiries (EEOC and OCR).
- Review motions to set aside forfeitures from bondsman and, if necessary, check the files at the courthouse; File objections and appear in Court to contest bond forfeitures set asides; Communicate with debtors and bondsman regarding payment arrangements; Maintain a list of active and past bond forfeitures and running tally of collections.
- Serve as truancy court mediator for truancy court. Assist General Counsel in preparing for litigation, responding to legal correspondence, drafting pleadings, negotiating settlements, or any other litigation-related matters as necessary and at the request of the General Counsel; Court appearances, if necessary.
- Advise Hearing Officer, as needed, with due process procedures, state and federal law related to student disciplinary proceedings, and serve as back-up Hearing Officer if needed.
- Assist in investigating and compiling all necessary information related to complaints of harassment, bullying and discrimination.
- Conduct legal trainings for district staff as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of basic principles of criminal law, juvenile law, family law, contract law and civil law.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws related to constitutional and employment law.
- Knowledge of the state and federal laws related to persons with disabilities, including the IDEA and the ADA.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people from a variety of education and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Ability to read, interpret and apply policies, statutes, and theories of law
- Ability to use a computer or other electronic devices to communicate, research information, present information, prepare documents, and collaborate with others.
- Skilled at conducting thorough investigations and keeping detailed notes and accounts.
- Skilled at legal research, legal briefs, and drafting memos to provide concise services interpretations or recommendations according to law.
- Skilled at litigation, including evaluating, preparing, and organizing case strategies, preparing witnesses, compiling exhibits, formulating arguments.
- Ability to present findings or recommendations to both internal work audiences as well as external groups for several hours at a time.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, and parents and maintain a professional demeanor as a representative of the school district.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum Experience Required: Juris Doctor (JD) required.
- Desirable Experience: Prior work experience in education law, family law, administrative law or related field.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid state license to practice law in North Carolina
- Valid NC driver’s license.
Pay Grade SA - $5,944.17 Monthly Salary - Full Time Position
PHYSICAL WORK DEMANDS:
PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
|
FREQUENCY
C - Constant
F - Frequent
O - Occasional
I - Infrequent
NR - Not Required
|
PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
|
FREQUENCY
C - Constant
F - Frequent
O - Occasional
I - Infrequent
NR - Not Required
|
Climbing/Balancing
|
I
|
Lifting/Carrying
|
O up to 30 lbs.
|
Crawling/Kneeling
|
I
|
Grasping/Twisting
|
O
|
Walking
|
F
|
Reaching
|
F
|
Running
|
I
|
Pushing/Pulling
|
O
|
Standing
|
F
|
Fingering/Typing
|
F
|
Sitting
|
F
|
Driving
|
O requires driving car between sites
|
Bending/Stooping
|
O
|
Others:
|
|
In compliance with Federal Law, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools administers all education programs, employment activities and admissions without discrimination against any person on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability.