Support Specialist: Paralegal

Title Code:

Support Specialist: Paralegal

JOB SUMMARY

Assists in providing legal services and advice to the Superintendent, Board of Education of Anne Arundel County, administrators and staff on variety of issues including student related issues, parental rights, labor and employment, 504, special education and constitutional issues. Performs a variety of complex paralegal and administrative duties that require comprehensive knowledge of education law, federal and state law, policies and regulations of the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County and AACPS and the various departments within the school system.

Additional Work Days/Hours

Based on the assignment, the following additional work days and/or hours may be required as needed:

• Ability to work flexible schedules
• Emergencies
• Extended hours
• On call
• Outside of normal business hours
• Peak season
• Summer hours
• Weekends

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares draft opinions for review.
• Assists with compliance with court orders and subpoenas.
• Performs legal research by identifying cases, reviewing judicial opinions, checking sources and preparing research memoranda.
• Prepares and reviews memoranda, contracts, grants, rights of entry and easements.
• Maintains several complex calendars, arranges meetings/appointments, hearing officers and court reporters, conferences, and travel.
• Handles correspondence and documents coming into the Legal Office and prepare written and verbal responses for final review by attorneys.
• Performs administrative and secretarial duties necessary to the efficient functioning of the office including filing, copying, purchasing supplies, processing invoices and assisting with payroll and the office budget.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professionals affiliations to keep abreast of the latest developments in public school law.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Associate's Degree in applicable field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the applicant to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Experience

• Two (2) years experience performing paralegal duties required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed sufficient to prepare the applicant to successfully perform the duties of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to exercise initiative and good judgment in the timely execution of assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• Hold or be eligible for Paralegal Certification issued by National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc (NFPA) preferred.
• Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
• Daily access to reliable transportation.

Driving Requirements

• Driving is required to conduct bona fide Board business that is within the scope of employment in this position.
• Personal Vehicle

CAREER LADDER REQUIREMENTS

Qualification Requirements for Employment in Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:

• Two (2) additional years successful experience required.
• Achievement of Paralegal Certification issued by National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc (NFPA) required.

Eligibility for Consideration for Advancement from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:

• Two (2) years continuous successful experience in the position at the Lower Grade level.
• Mastery of all responsibilities and duties of the position.
• Achievement of Professional Certification, License or evidence of course completion in pursuit of such certification or license, if applicable.
• Evidence of completion of additional training that may be recommended by supervisor and/or participation in approved professional development programs or courses, approved in advance by the supervisor. Successful completion of a minimum of one professional development within the last two years is required. Successful completion of job specific professional developments identified on the job description, performance evaluations and/or the supervisor's documented recommendation are required.
• Achievement of identified goals as they relate to the needs of the district and as established by the supervisor.
• Consistent maintenance of an effective and orderly work environment.
• Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; regular and punctual attendance; and building dress code, including wearing AACPS ID badge.
• Above Satisfactory overall job performance for the two most recent consecutive years of Performance Ratings.
• Letter of Recommendation written by the supervisor.

Additional Requirements for Advancement from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:

• Achievement of Paralegal Certification issued by National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc (NFPA) required.

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working conditions 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

• Standing: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Driving: under 1/3 percent of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision

The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment

Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Weight & Force

Lifting and carrying requirements

• Up to 20 pounds: under 1/3 percent of the time

Travel Requirements

• 10% day travel within the county for work duties such as to a school or to court.

JOB INFORMATION

Approved Date: 9/1/2023 Established Date: 6/1/2023 Title Code: A05717 Title: SPECIALIST SUPPORT: PARALEGAL Reports to Generic: Director Reports to Specific: DIRECTOR: LEGAL SERVICES

ORGANIZATION

Division: Chief of Staff Business Unit: Legal Services Department: Negotiated Agreement: N/A

HR JOB INFORMATION

Unit: V Days Worked: 260 FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt Grade:

PG03;PG04 Click HERE to view Terms of Employment, Benefits and Salary Scale. Scroll down to locate (Unit 5 - Professional Staff)

Essential Job: Months Worked: 12 Hours Worked: 8 Job Family: Legal and Compliance Sub-Function: Legal

VR# 26153