Vacancy Number:
2024-105
Position:
School Legal Practice Specialist
Location:
Management Services - 900 Watervliet Shaker Road
Basic Function:
The School Legal Practice Specialist (BOCES) assists labor relations and legal staff in research, collection of data, preparation of legal documents and student disciplinary hearings. This is a professional position involving research and preparation of data as needed by the legal and labor relations staff. The work is performed under general supervision of Legal Counsel (BOCES) and/or the Director of Labor Relations Service (BOCES), with considerable leeway allowed for the exercise of independent decision making. Performs related duties as required.
Qualifications:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a degree in Law (JD – Doctor of Laws or L.L.B. – Bachelor of Laws); OR,
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with at least a Bachelor’s degree and either three (3) years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant for a New York State-based legal practice specializing in public sector labor and employment law and/or education law OR three (3) years of experience as a School District Clerk or within the Human Resources or Business Office of a New York State public school district; OR,
C. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree and either five (5) years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant for a New York State-based legal practice specializing in public sector labor and employment law and/or education law OR five (5) years of experience as a School District Clerk or within the Human Resources or Business Office of a New York State public school district; OR,
D. Graduation from high school or possession of a general equivalency diploma and either seven (7) years of work experience as a paralegal or legal assistant for a New York State-based legal practice specializing in public sector labor and employment law and/or education law OR seven (7) years of experience as a School District Clerk or within the Human Resources or Business Office of a New York State public school district.
Vacancies are filled by certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.
Responsibilities:
1. Serves as designated hearing officer in Education Law § 3214 student disciplinary hearings.
2. Analyzes precedents and existing employment, wage and salary practices in the area to assist in the development of the school district’s position prior to contract negotiations.
3. Assists in the acceptance, organization, investigation and resolution of labor and employment and student matters.
4. Assists with the preparation of drafting Motions, Briefs, Orders, Bills of Particulars, Demand to Produce, Discovery Demands, Petitions, Waivers, Consents, Affidavits, Answers, Subpoenas and correspondence related to labor and employment matters, Commissioner of Education Appeals, Impartial Hearing Requests and other School Law related matters.
5. Performs miscellaneous clerical tasks such as data entry, filing or record-keeping as may be necessary.
6. Collects and analyzes data to aid the school district’s position in mediation, grievance arbitration, fact-finding, hearings and in improper practice proceedings before the Public Employee Relations Board, Commissioner or Education, Division of Human Rights or other relevant agencies.
7. Drafts and finalizes correspondence, school business contracts, and professional development materials.
8. Corresponds with Clerk of the Board office to assist with the processing of Freedom of Information Law requests.
9. Maintains legal files, filing system and databases, including collective bargaining agreement repository.
10. Works with the Legal Department to create, maintain and update templates in Legal Files.
11. Reviews and processes affiliation agreements.
12. Handles and organizes all litigation holds for clients.
13. Working knowledge of Lexis or similar on-line research platform.
14. Working knowledge of the techniques normally employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems.
15. Working knowledge of applicable New York State and federal education laws.
16. Working knowledge of investigative and interviewing techniques.
17. Working knowledge of court trial and administrative hearing procedures.
18. Ability to independently gather, analyze and organize legal data and information into clear and logical sequence.
19. Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant case opinions and facts.
20. Ability to communicate legal opinions and information clearly and succinctly in both orally and in writing.
21. Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations.
22. Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in the proper manner.
23. Ability to maintain a strict code of confidentiality.
24. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Start Date:
As soon as possible
Application Deadline:
October 13, 2023 (or until position is filled)
Starting Salary:
$55,000 – $75,000 prorated to amount of service rendered
The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.
Apply To:
https://capitalregionboces.recruitfront.com/JobOpportunities
Further Information Contact:
Capital Region BOCES, 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany NY 12205
or email crbrecruitment@neric.org
Date:
September 15, 2023