Description

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Assist the General Counsel in the performance of duties, as assigned, including but not limited to, providing in-house legal services to the Superintendent, designated staff, and Board of Trustees; coordinate legal services required by the District providing guidance, direction, and assistance to staff related to investigations; draft direct responses to anyone not in compliance with District policies and guidelines.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Management of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions:

• Advise the district administration on legal issues, including personnel and student issues; provide advice and documents to supervisor, staff, administrators, and others as necessary regarding assigned projects.
• Draft, review, and revise legal documents.
• Attend Board meetings and other administrative meetings to provide legal counsel.
• Oversee work related to the Open Records Department, ensuring compliance with the Texas Public Information Act; provide guidance as needed.
• Advise on grievances and complaints from staff, students, and the community; attend grievances if the grievant is represented by counsel.
• Assist in the formulation and execution of policies and regulations and review materials for publication in handbooks.
• Coordinate responses to investigations by the Texas Education Agency, US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, and other administrative or regulatory agencies.
• Monitor and interpret the impact of proposed or enacted legislation.
• Research, recommend, implement, and administer District and department policies and procedures that are in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Provide leadership and/or assistance in the investigation of reports of concerns or complaints related to actions by District employees, including but not limited to complaints of non-compliance with District policies and guidelines; deliver and develop a report with findings following the investigation process; maintain records of all investigations.
• Coordinate departmental activities with other District offices and administrators and provide assistance to requesting departments.
• Assist with and/or investigate complaints against employees within the guidelines and expectations of the District.
• Coordinate the District’s compliance with Title IX and other related discrimination laws.
• Monitor hearings related to Special Education matters handled by outside counsel, and/or prepare for and represent the District in Special Education hearings when necessary and appropriate.
• Review contracts and provide legal advice on the drafting of documents, rules and regulations, resolutions, contracts
  and agreements.
• Conduct professional development/training and prepare materials for designated staff regarding school law issues.
  Provide legal assistance in the drafting of proposed legislation.

Human Resources Management:

• Provide direction and guidance to assigned staff.
• Provide input on performance of assigned staff.
• Recognize exemplary performance of assigned staff.

Organization Improvement:

• Analyze critical needs in assigned areas and work collaboratively to design, implement, refine, and evaluate assigned programs in order to continuously improve the campus/department.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Conduct professional development and training, including preparing training materials for staff and Board members.
• Guide assigned staff in the planning and implementation of professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance.
• Participate in professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance.

School/Community Relations:

• Interface with governmental agencies, business and civic organizations, and the community to provide needed information and to promote the District’s initiatives.
• Serve as the lead contact with area agencies in investigations related to district employees.
• Ensure all individuals are treated with respect through the investigation process.

Organization Morale:

• Provide feedback to the Superintendent, General Counsel and other District leadership on investigations when
  appropriate.
• Foster collegiality and team building among department employees; encourage active involvement in the decision-
  making process by all department employees; communicate expectations for high-level performance to staff; recognize staff achievements; and ensure effective and quick resolution of conflicts among department employees.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among assigned department personnel and campus administrators to
  enhance service delivery, program development, and customer satisfaction.

Other Responsibilities:

• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Provide guidance and direction to assigned staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to public education and campus procedures and District policies.
• Knowledge of the legislative process.
• Skill in legal research and litigation.
• Skill in conducting group presentations and in mediation/facilitation of group/individual problem resolution.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in analyzing complex information.
• Ability to read and interpret documents, such as law, policy, and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work responsibilities and delegate appropriate departmental tasks effectively.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS: Law degree from an approved American Bar Association law school, valid license to practice law in the State of Texas, and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible and pertinent experience.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Travel district wide frequently.
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Use computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motions.
• Work extended and irregular hours.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior office work environment with little or no exposure to physical risk.