What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant General Counsel, Open Records Officer position at The School District Of Philadelphia?
Job Description
Title : Assistant General Counsel, Open Records Officer
Department : General Counsel
Salary Range : $93,322 - $121,556
For forward-thinking administrators and educators, opportunities abound in the School District of Philadelphia. The School District of Philadelphia is committed to transforming the education opportunities it offers the city's more than 203,000 school-aged children. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools, principals and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?
Job Summary
Provides legal advice and representation to the Board of Education and the School District of Philadelphia and its employees on a wide array of legal issues. Responds to public records requests. Represents the School District before the Office of Open Records and other legal proceedings regarding Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) matters. Responds to claims filed related to personal injury or property damage. Provides comprehensive advice and guidance to the Board, and various other District departments on claim management, RTKL and other information requests including application of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, and related issues and administrative or legal proceedings. Collaborates on projects with other members of the General Counsel.
Essential Functions
Right to Know Law Specialty
- Serves as Open Records Officer for the School District and the Board of Education; provides legal representation to the School District and Board of Education in responding to requests for public records under the RTKL.
- Reviews and coordinates requests for records; identifies departments and offices which maintain the records and gathers records; evaluates public status of records and prepares responses either granting, denying, or partially denying requests; maintains electronic or paper copies of written requests including all documents produced.
- Represents the District and Board of Education during administrative appeals to the Office of Open Records; coordinates with senior attorneys to represent the District and Board in appeals to the Court of Common Pleas, Commonwealth or Supreme Court.
- Provides guidance on application of other various nondisclosure or confidentiality laws in relation to contract drafting, document or information publication, media requests, data requests and other requests by the public, media, contractors, and commercial or non-profit organizations.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Note : All work experience related to the position must be included on the resume.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of :
o the common laws and the state and federal laws particularly as they relate to administrative, fiscal and regulatory functions of the School District.
o judicial proceedings and of the rules of evidence as related to the area of specialization.
o the principles, practices, methods and techniques of legal research.
o the principles and practices of governmental laws.
o the uses and capabilities of personal computers and their software applications including word processing, database management and spreadsheets.
Demonstrated ability to :
o analyze, organize and evaluate the evidence and procedures involving difficult and complex cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for all written presentations such as memos, briefs, opinions, orders or decisions.
o analyze legal documents and instruments.
o draft legal instruments and propose legislation.
o negotiate terms and conditions successfully.
o manage a detail-oriented workload.
o organize and prioritize workload during high pressure, high-volume workload periods.
o collaborate with colleagues and District clients.
o exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact required.
o handle matters outside areas of familiarity.
o manage stress.
o handle multiple concurrent tasks.
o review and process information within a computerized web system throughout the majority of the workday.
o travel as required.
o express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Nondiscrimination
The School District of Philadelphia provides to all persons equal access to all categories of employment in this District, regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap / disability, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 104 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.
Salary : $93,322 - $121,556
