Law Office.Senior Counsel.0998

Job Description

Under general supervision, represents Baltimore County Public Schools in matters regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, mediations, resolution conferences, and due process appeals. Sr. Counsel provides a variety of professional legal services as directed by the Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Represents Baltimore County Public Schools in special education mediations and due process hearings. Prepares school staff to participate in mediations and hearings.
• Evaluates cases and negotiates settlement agreements, requests for attorneys’ fees, expert fees, and reimbursements for independent evaluations. Attends Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings to support the team in decision-making.
• Reviews statutory amendments and regulations, judicial decisions, and federal agency decisions. Keeps current with pertinent legislation, regulations, and case law involving students with disabilities. Provides clarification and procedural updates for special education staff and school administrators.
• Coordinates and conducts in-service training related to procedural safeguards and team processes. Serves as a consultant to schools to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities and their parents. Assists teachers and administrators in responding to student and parental concerns.
• Responds to complaints regarding special education and student related Section 504 issues. Conducts legal research on issues raised in complaints, formulates legal opinions and provides advice.
• Represents the Superintendent in administrative hearings, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree from an accredited school of law.
• Three years professional experience in the practice of law which includes experience with legal issues involving students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with litigation, negotiation, mediation, and administrative hearings.
• Experience with general education law preferred.

Note: Other combination of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Admission to the Bar of Maryland is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skill and ability to use a personal computer, including spreadsheet, database and word processing programs (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Knowledge of legal research (Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis), legal terminology, Maryland administrative law and appeal process, and statutes and regulations.
• Knowledge of legal principles and practices.
• Knowledge of education law (IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
• Knowledge of litigation involving administrative agencies and courts.
• Knowledge of legal research.
• Skill in the practice of law.
• Skill in conducting litigation before administrative agencies and courts.
• Skill in conducting legal research.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Skill in developing relationships with school administrators, central office personnel, and teachers.
• Ability to prepare and deliver professional development regarding special education law.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The work of this class is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Duties require travel to schools and facilities throughout Baltimore County. Limited out-of-county and out-of-state travel.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Retirement: Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees’ Retirement System.

Salary: Grade 11 on the CASE 12 month pay scale

Other Compensation: This position may also be eligible for comp time as per the OPE Master Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding. Visit the BCPS website for additional information at https://www.bcps.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2828&pageId=69996497.

Benefits: BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include paid holidays, sick, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits meeting upon hire.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at

https://www.bcps.org/hr/compliance/benefits_and_retirement

This document describes the duties and responsibilities of a position. It shall not be held to exclude duties not referenced nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Application Instructions

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment. Failure to complete all fields of the “Work Experience” section of the application may result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be the only document considered in determining your qualifications for a position.
• You MUST attach your unofficial transcript(s) or license(s) to your application if you are applying for a position as a teacher or position which requires Licensure/Certification.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education:

• Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable only at the application stage. Official transcripts must be provided only after you have accepted a contingent offer.
• Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with your application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency:

• Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from a MSDE approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agency. This information is located on the MSDE website at https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DEE/Certification/Foreign-Transcript-Evaluation-Agencies.aspx

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All people employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (per COMAR) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $109.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience, you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts will be required upon hire and must be sent via escript/clearinghouse from your university.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Benefits and Retirement Orientation meeting.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Contact Information

Susan Stansbury

Director, Staffing & Licensure

[email protected]

443-809-7874

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