Policy and Legal Affairs Coordinator
Clear Creek ISD
League City, TX
Description
Provide support and guidance to a campus leadership, department leadership, and other campus personnel regarding grievances student information requests, public information requests, special education legal matters, subpoenas, custody issues, records retention and related policy and procedures. Actively engage in actions that contribute to the overall mission and strategic plan of Clear Creek ISD.
Qualifications
Education/Certification
Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate from an accredited program
Special Knowledge/Skills
Extensive knowledge of school district policies and administrative regulations
Understanding of state and federal laws applicable to public school districts
Strong research, analytical and reasoning skills and problem-solving ability
Excellent communication, public relations and interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Ability to organize and prioritize workload
Knowledge of general legal terminology and legal principles
Excellent computer application skills (Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint) and legal research skills (Westlaw/LexisNexis)
Experience
Minimum of five years working as a paralegal or legal assistant handling legal and policy matters in a public school district (preferred)
Major Responsibilities and Duties
- Monitor general legal and litigation activities related to complaints and grievances [Local, TEA, TWCHRD, EEOC and OCR], lawsuits, contracts, public information requests, subpoenas, special education, 504 and records management to ensure that all appropriate documents and responses are filed in a timely manner.
- Coordinate the gathering of information, documents, reports, and physical evidence from various departments and campuses as necessary to respond to litigation discovery, complaints, in-house investigations, and grievance hearings.
- Provide General Counsel support with in-house, TEA, TWCHRD, EEOC and OCR investigations; data collection, document preparation, drafting of responses, and preparation of witnesses.
- Gather and maintain relevant documents and information used in reports of alleged complaints.
- Provide assistance to General Counsel, outside counsel and special education staff regarding special education issues, including complaints, mediations, ARDS, staffings, hearings, and litigation.
- Field legal and policy-related questions from both staff and public and facilitate communications to encourage early resolutions to potential complaints.
- Act as a resource to both the administration and grievant/complainant regarding the grievance/complaint process.
- Review court orders regarding expunctions and sealing of files/records, gather responsive documents, and respond to courts.
- Analyze and prepare summaries of various legal documents, including custody orders, CPS safety plans, and temporary restraining orders. Identify issues and concerns for further review and analysis by General Counsel, upload legal alerts into Skyward and Raptor and advise campus personnel of such alerts.
- Prepare requests for Attorney General Opinions in reference to Public Information Requests.
- Receive service of Subpoenas for the District for employee, student, and other types of records including criminal and family law matters, verify subpoena is valid, coordinate and oversee timely compliance, review responsive documents and redact as necessary, provide support to campuses, prepare business records affidavits.
- Process third-party requests for student and employee records, researching validity of requestors’ rights to access as necessary, and coordinate with the Communications Department on public information requests seeking FERPA-protected or other confidential information.
- Act as liaison between outside agencies (i.e., child protective services and juvenile probation departments) and campus personnel for purposes of obtaining student information.
- Assist in the review of District contracts, MOUs and Interlocal Agreements and assist in resolving legal issues associated with such agreements.
- Provide guidance to campus personnel regarding student discipline, Title IX and other legal or policy-related issues including but not limited to family law and custody matters by researching, reviewing and interpreting court documents as necessary.
- Work with General Counsel and outside legal firms in the preparation of necessary documents related to legal and policy matters. Communicate with employees, parents and attorneys, as necessary.
- Assist campus personnel and the Safe and Secure School Department in resolving issues related to admission and enrollment, including but not limited to residency, guardianship, etc.
- Facilitate the employee, student, and public grievance/complaint process by coordinating and maintaining a schedule of appeal hearings to ensure timely compliance with policies and legal requirements.
- Prepare the official Board record for grievance hearings and student expulsion appeal hearings, schedule the hearings with all parties, prepare notice letters and prepare board agenda for hearings.
- Research and respond, both verbally and in writing, to inquiries from the public and staff regarding policy and legal matters.
- Coordinate the production of documents to requestors and act as official Custodian of Records for the District for purposes of authenticating records and appearing as a witness in court, when required.
- Exercise initiative to problem-solve policy and legal matters in an expedited fashion.
- Investigate, gather and analyze information to recommend policy-based solutions.
- Preserve the confidentiality of the office, administration, and District in communicating information to administrators, faculty, students, parents, staff and the public.
- Demonstrate and promote high professional and ethical standards.
- Exercise initiative and independent judgement in managing daily activities.
- Assist with compliance with state and federal mandates, consulting with General Counsel on new legislation.
- Research legal issues, update legal research materials, and provide in-person professional development to staff regarding policy and legal matters, including in-person annual Legal 101 training for Campus Data Specialists.
- Attend relevant legal/policy training sessions and professional development.
- Adhere to hybrid remote work guidelines.
- Exhibit CCISD Core Values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship
- Actively engage in actions that contribute to the overall mission and strategic plan of Clear Creek ISD.
- Stay up-to-date professionally through the selection of quality professional learning opportunities for personal growth.
- Research district policy, precedent, and current practices prior to taking action.
- Participate as an effective team member who contributes to district, department, and content goals.
- Demonstrate proficient levels of technology applications.
- Participate fully in drills and safety exercises to provide for the safety and overall emotional wellbeing of students.
- Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.
- Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.
- Meet task completion deadlines established by supervisor.
- Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.
- Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.
- Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal).
Working Conditions
Mental Demands
Written and verbal communication, ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to work with frequent interruptions and respond quickly in time-sensitive matters.
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
Moderate standing, walking, lifting, carrying, prolonged sitting and use of computer, repetitive hand motions, hybrid remote work environment, ability to travel.
Terms: 230 days
Pay Grade: Admin/Mgmt 4