Address
Form of workClosing Date: 23rd May, 2024
Description:
The Kentucky Department of Education is a premier service agency of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The department provides resources and guidance to Kentucky's public schools and districts as they implement the state's K-12 education requirements. The department also serves as the state liaison for federal education requirements and funding opportunities. Our mission is to partner with districts, schools, families, students, business and industry, and communities to provide leadership and support to ensure success for each and every student.The department seeks to hire a smart, experienced, hardworking and dependable Staff Attorney II to join our dedicated team. We seek persons of the highest moral character who understand it is a privilege to represent the Kentucky Department of Education and work on behalf of Kentucky's children. This role represents a great opportunity to work in a dynamic, challenging and professional environment.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provides a variety of legal services for a state agency requiring extensive research and analysis; and performs other duties as required.
- Serve as a prosecuting attorney for educator ethics and misconduct cases for the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) pursuant to KRS 161.120(1).
- Assist in preparing complex cases for litigation in administrative forums.
- Provide timely and thorough advice and recommendations regarding legal strategy to best accomplish the goals of the EPSB for assigned cases. Attorney is expected to resolve cases efficiently, maintain organized and thorough case files to prepare for any civil matters in court.
- Attend all EPSB meetings, including closed session discussions and applicable committee meetings regarding educator ethics and discipline cases while being prepared to explain the legal analysis behind cases presented and answer any follow up questions.
- Review and collect information from public sources, research applicable law and summarize complaints received in preparation for complaint meetings.
- Manage and conduct investigative activities as directed by the EPSB for alleged educator misconduct, including oversight of contracted investigators to ensure timely, accurate, and thorough investigations. Present investigation findings to the EPSB in a professional and comprehensible manner.
- Ensure timely and accurate responses to requests for public records, including review and analysis of potential exemptions. Provide timely and thorough review of agency contracts and requests for proposals.
- Develop and present Educator Ethics presentation as requested by school districts and Education Preparation Providers.
- Assist supervisor(s) in the review, design, and implementation of procedures for improving the efficiency of the EPSB and Office of Legal Services.
- Maintain exceptional written and verbal communication skills for all forms of communication.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills and Expectations include, but are not limited to:
- Strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
- Good problem solving, technical and analytical abilities.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- A high level of integrity and professional accountability.
- Alignment with the mission of the Kentucky Department of Education.
Minimum Requirements:
- Education: See Special Requirements.
- Experience, Training, Or Skills: Must have one year of experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law or one year of supervised practice under Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.116, or a combination totaling at least one year of experience.
- Substitute Education for Experience: A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) will substitute for the one year required experience.
- Substitute Experience for Education: None
Special Requirements (Age, Licensure, Regulation, Etc.): Must be admitted to practice law and in good standing in the Commonwealth of Kentucky Or comply with Kentucky Supreme Court Rule (SCR) 2.111 (limited certification of admission to practice), SCR 2.112 (attorney participants in defender or legal services programs), SCR 2.117 (practice pending admission). Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials.
