Specialist, Board Operations and Legal Services (PROMOTIONAL ONLY)

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Superintendent, receive, record, process and respond to requests for information including public records requests in compliance with applicable laws and District policies; research and analyze current and impending legislative requirements related to activities of the Board of Education and Superintendent’s Office and develop procedures to ensure legal compliance; support all Board of Education functions, including attending meetings, scheduling presenters and honorees, copying documentation, and taking minutes; and performing related duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Supervise and implement District procedures for facilitating public records requests including logging and managing the request in the public records request database; ensure the timely posting of released documents to the requestor and appropriate parties; develop, implement and refine systems for improving request response time including implementing and training others in the use of a PRA management software; coordinate the filing of documents, records maintenance, storage and system integration to ensure the retention and retrieval of necessary records.

Complete all redacting of documents to ensure compliance with District policies and applicable laws including, the California Government Code, Family Educational Rights Privacy Act and Healthy Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and to protect student, parent and district employees’ rights to confidentiality. 

Provide strategic support to the Superintendent’s Office and Board of Education to ensure adherence to State and federal regulations; monitor and analyze legislative updates, interpret the impact on legislation on the District, and develop related reports for District leadership; research and provide recommendations to the Superintendent’s Office in response to legal developments and concerns; develop and monitor protocols and procedures to ensure Board activities comply with rules, policies, regulations, and local ordinances; attend and provide advice at meetings as assigned.

Support all Board of Education functions, including preparing reports, scheduling presenters and honorees, and compiling documentation in preparation for a variety of meetings and events; take minutes and coordinate public comment activities at Board Meetings; and organize, disseminate and facilitate communications and documentation to maintain Brown Act compliance.

Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to District leadership regarding assigned functions; conduct research, compile data, and present comprehensive reports; assist as needed in the formulation and development of District-wide policies, procedures and programs to encourage effective and efficient management controls. 

Communicate with other administrators, District personnel and outside organizations to exchange information, resolve issues or concerns and coordinate activities. 

Attend a variety of trainings and meetings to remain current on District requirements.

Direct and supervise assigned staff members.  

Provide and arrange for staff development and training in a variety of areas. 

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations including the California Education Code, California Public Records Act, Family Educational Rights Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. 

Oral and written communication skills. 

District policies and regulations related to assigned program activities. 

Interpersonal skills using professionalism, tact, patience and courtesy. 

Proper methods of document storage and retrieval systems. 

Principles and practices of project management.

Principles and practices of supervision, training and providing work direction.

Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases. 

ABILITY TO:

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.

Provide a high level of attention to detail.

Exercise professional judgment in the release of information and materials.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.

Maintain records and prepare reports. 

Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures. 

Prioritize and schedule work on several projects simultaneously, re-prioritizing to meet deadlines.

Meet schedules and timelines.

Supervise, train, evaluate and provide work direction to others.

Learn, apply and explain policies, procedures, rules and regulations. 

Learn department and program objectives and goals. 

Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions. 

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. 

Work independently with little direction. 

Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in paralegal studies, law, public policy, or a related field and two years of paid experience analyzing legislation, preparing narrative reports, and developing recommendations in a law office or similar agency that provides the knowledge and skills outlined in the position description. Related experience in public education preferred.  

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California Class C Driver's License and use of private or alternative means of transportation is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

School sites and departments.

Community settings and events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.

Seeing to read a variety of materials.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. 

Sitting for extended periods of time.

HAZARDS:

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

Exposure to hazards during emergency situations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Specialist, Board Operations and Legal Services is distinguished from the Legal Support Specialist, in that the former provides more complex legal analysis and support to the Superintendents Office and the Board of Education, along with supporting other Board of Education functions.  The Legal Support Specialist coordinates public records act requests and conducts general legal research and analysis.