Data Practices Specialist - Sheriff's Office

JOB SUMMARY

Carver County is looking for a detail-orientated candidate to join our Records team in the Sheriff's Office. Under the direction of the Records Supervisor in the Sheriff’s Office, the Data Practices Specialist is responsible for conducting substantive legal research, case law, and issue analysis to assist the Responsible Authority in preparation, compiling, and correspondence to data requests relating to Carver County government operations including Sheriff’s Office, Attorney’s Office, Health and Human Services, and County Administration.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of the Carver County Data Practices Specialist include:

• Serve as a skilled data practices professional while working closely with the different responsible authorities within the Carver County Government (i.e., Sheriff, County Attorney, County Administrator, Health & Human Services) and their staff to determine appropriate classification and release or non-disclosure of data as governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) and other applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Receive and process data requests via various sources such as: Government email accounts, telephone, attorneys, private citizens, media, inmates, etc.
• Properly prioritizes data requests ensuring compliance with data practice law and timetables:
  • Review and evaluate the data request
  • Estimate the time needed to search for and retrieve the data or copy the data
  • Communicate with the requester as to the classification and availability of the data
  • Potentially accessing “not public” data while protecting the integrity of the data
• Responsible for processing, compiling, and preparing the materials in response to various data requests in accordance with MGDPA and other applicable laws.
• Responsible for determining where to access requested information either in hard copy form or by searching and collecting information from varied electronic systems that store government data.
• Responsible for determining the proper release of data by following criteria as outlined in the MGDPA law and other applicable laws.
• Responsible for redacting not public data from both paper and electronic formats as required for the proper use and disclosure of protected data.
• Partner with other Carver County agencies such as: Information Technology staff, Health and Human Services, Jail, and County Attorney’s Office to locate and secure electronic data related to data requests.
• Responsible for determining the cost allowed by statute for research and work performed on data requests.
• Provide input for data request related fee schedules for the county.
• Assist the Records Supervisor in reading and interpreting court orders regarding expungements, sealing expunged records, and gathering all data related to the expungements from various departments within the Sheriff’s Office.
• Assist responsible authorities with drafting procedures, guidelines, and resources for processing data requests.
• Assist in training staff in data practice policy and procedures.
• In partnership with the County Attorney’s Office, responsible for conducting legal research, providing legal analysis, and providing data-related recommendations to Carver County personnel.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level and/or type.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s Degree
• Two (2) years of customer service, administrative support, criminal justice, legal support, or related experience
• Ability to obtain the required Paralegal Certificate within 36 months of hire

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Ability to obtain the required Paralegal Certificate within 36 months of hire

SCORED EXAMINATION PROCESS

All applications will be screened for minimum qualifications, scored and ranked. The highestranked candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be recommended for the scored oral examinations (interviews). Final selection for the position will include successful completion of oral interview(s) and CJIS background investigation.