Staff Attorney

This position will provide temporary coverage for a leave of absence. We are looking for someone to start the first week of November, and work through the beginning of March. The focus will be Title IX & Student Equity.

SUMMARY Coordinate the district process and procedures for addressing discrimination complaints on matters involving students. Serve as the district's Title IX coordinator. Ensure district compliance and manage day-to-day responsibility regarding state, federal, and district policy regarding student non-discrimination. Develop and implement appropriate training initiatives to education staff on student rights, including consultation in connection with discipline, threat assessment, and safety matters. Advise regarding the investigation of matters implicating student non-discrimination laws, including conducting such investigations directly as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following as well as other duties as assigned:

Ensures district compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act, related state and federal laws guaranteeing non-discrimination in K-12 education.

Leads district's efforts to implement Colorado SB23-296 (Protections for Students Against Discriminatory Practices at School).

Receive, evaluate, and advise regarding complaints alleging discrimination against students based on membership in a protected class.

Use a database to track and monitor discrimination complaints and identify patterns.

Serve as a member of multidisciplinary teams in matters related to student conduct, discipline, and safety planning.

Develop and advise regarding procedures for investigating and resolving allegations of unlawful discrimination in educational services and programs.

Builds proactive programs to combat negative patterns/trends, partnering with risk management as appropriate to improve systems and evaluate claims.

Research and analyze federal, state, and local rules and regulations, and make suggested revisions to processes, procedures and policies.

Advise school leaders on Title IX obligations, including training and oversight of school handling of Title IX complaints.

Trains school and central office staff on legal obligations regarding non-discrimination in K-12 education, including on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, religion, ancestry, age, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws prohibiting discrimination.

Evaluate, investigate, and resolve complaints alleging harassment and discrimination, particularly in matters involving students.

Prepare, or assist other staff in preparing, legally and administratively sound and comprehensive investigative reports.

Consult regularly with partnered team members regarding appropriate actions from investigative report results.

Manage and maintain case database to generate reports regarding complaints received or processed.

Utilize collected data to predict trends to effectively evaluate legal sufficiency district policies and procedures.

Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE Minimum of three years' legal experience, preferred in education, public administration, or school law. Experience with Title IX, equity, and non-discrimination preferred.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS An active Colorado law license or eligibility for admission on waiver.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT Skill in interpreting applicable federal and state laws and District policies and procedures. Skill in researching information, organizing material, and presenting results in oral and written form. Skill in applying data collected to resolve problems. Skill in formulating recommendations, proposals, and counter proposals. Skill in preparing and presenting effective written and oral reports, recommendations, district policies, and procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality of information secured in work environment. Ability to keep up-to-date technically and apply new knowledge to your job. Includes adapting to and mastering new system applications and processes as implemented by the district or department.

DECISION MAKING Strong independent thinking, legal judgment, and critical decision making skills.

SPAN OF CONTROL Generally, this position does not direct others; however, the attorney may advise administrators and act as the subject matter expert in student non-discrimination and Title IX matters; legal aspects of student discipline and safety issues; in child abuse reporting laws; District policy; and general non-discrimination issues and interpretations of other applicable statues and their practical applications.

EDUCATIONAL DELIVERY Provide support to students and schools by providing a safe and secure environment that supports student learning. Provide direct support for investigations related to Title IX issues.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK Requires application and analysis of investigative skills and methodology: knowledge of applicable codes, laws, and policies; and security knowledge to assess situations and determine a course of action. Must use sound, independent thinking and judgment at all times.

The physical demands, mental functions, and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to compare, analyze, communicate, coordinate, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, and negotiate.

WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.