Civil Rights And Compliance Investigator/Paralegal

Position Type:
Middle Managers
Date Posted:
1/19/2024
Location:
Policy and Legal Services
Date Available:
As soon as possible
Closing Date:
02/07/2024Please note that this posting closes at 3:00 pm on the date listed above.
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Doug Larson at (385)-646-4599 or email drlarson@graniteschools.org?
Job Title
Civil Rights & Compliance Investigator/Paralegal
Department
General Counsel
Supervisor
Director
Salary Schedule
Middle Manager
Lane Placement
C
Contract Length
12 Months (243 days)
FLSA Classification
Non- Exempt
Job Summary
The Civil Rights & Compliance Paralegal will assist Granite's General Counsel's Office, by conducting investigations and ensuring prompt and equitable resolutions of complaints regarding federal and state Civil Rights laws and regulations, including Title VI, VII, and IX, and other matters as assigned. This position will be housed in the General Counsel's office, however this individual will work closely with school administrators, the Educational Equity director, the director and associate directors of Prevention and Student Placement, and with other departments. Investigations will primarily involve Title IX sexual harassment complaints, potential code of conduct and safe school violations, complaints of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation.
Essential Functions

• Under direction of General Counsel, will conduct investigations and prepare timely, thorough reports of investigations.
• Communicate with students, parents, administrators, law enforcement, case workers, state agency personnel, and other relevant parties to complete investigations in an efficient manner.
• Communicate with and interview complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other relevant parties, gather data and evidence, make findings and conclusions, and effectively present findings and conclusions in writing and verbally.
• Work with relevant administrators, as directed, to develop policy, train employees, and implement a Civil Rights compliance plan.
• Work with district officials to identify and remove barriers that may exist for persons with disabilities.
• Attend administrative hearings and other meetings to support decision makers with respect to student discipline, placements, and services/accommodations.
• Become familiar with District polices, state and federal laws, and state and federal regulations governing schools and District employees, particular with respect to state and federal Civil Rights laws and regulations.
• Work closely with all District and school administrators to promote compliance with state and federal Civil Rights laws and regulations.

• Be proficient in understanding complex concepts, legal requirements, and policies and in communicating ideas in simple and clear presentation.
• Research and analyze statutes, regulations, agency guidance, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources related to education and provide analysis as necessary.
• Have the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Have excellent critical thinking, decision making, and organizational skills.

• Hold a valid Utah Driver's License and evidence of insurability.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with deadlines.

Non-Essential Functions

• Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent investigation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of education law, legal language and principles, research methods, and other legal and/or education experience.
• Demonstrated basic understanding of Civil Rights law and Compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to write investigative findings and/or technical employment documents.
• Professional communication skills including, but not limited to: excellent written and verbal skills in English; confident, articulate, and professional communication; empathic listening; and persuasive speaking skills.

Required Education

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited higher education institution; extended degree in education and/or law preferred.

Required Prior Experience

• Minimum one (1) year direct experience investigating and making determinations on employment/employee/student complaints.

Preferred Attributes, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Administrative experience
• Juris Doctorate degree or some level of training in the law
• Experience interviewing minors in an investigative role
• Experience working in a K-12 environment, preferably in a public education system
• Demonstrated experience in administration of governmental regulatory or compliance programs, such as discrimination, harassment, Title IX, workplace abusive behavior, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to read, understand, and apply complex legal principals such as those found in federal and state government employment regulations, ADA, FMLA, Title IX, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to train others; develop, deliver and assess efficacy of training events and training materials related to employment compliance issues
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively; negotiate/mediate solutions to the mutual benefit of all parties involved while adhering to the District's policies and procedures and contractual requirements
• Demonstrated ability to professionally interact with state and federal agencies, including Utah Child Protective Services, Office for Civil Rights, Risk Management, and Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division
• Demonstrated ability to create, publish, maintain, and train on policy and procedures relevant to job responsibilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of interviewing practices
• Demonstrated ethical and courteous leadership
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various groups
• Ability to speak, read, write, and comprehend a language beyond the English language
• Access to reliable transportation to commute between District locations

Assigned Decision Making
Must be able to perform assigned tasks without on-site supervision. Will manage assigned work assignments and deadlines.
Interactions with Others
Interacts positively with all employee and community groups.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Budget Responsibility
None
Non-Supervisory Interaction

• Interacts and collaborates with employees, board members, patrons, vendors, administrators, and secretaries in schools.
• Works with various department secretaries, coordinators, managers, and directors.
• Works positively and collaboratively with District departments including administrators and secretaries.
• Strong interpersonal skills along with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Able to work within a team-based environment that exists in the General Counsel's office

Working Environment
Standard office conditions. Applicant can expect a caseload with multiple assignments and deadlines. Must be able to work in a team-oriented work environment that requires self-motivation, creative brainstorming, and an ability to work well with others. Work requires a combination of office and field work with scheduling that may extend before and after traditional work hours.
Physical Demands - Not limited to the following:
Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Ability to reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle or feel. Ability to talk or hear. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to focus. Physical demands require moving and lifting supplies, equipment, etc. up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.