Senior Counsel, Special Education

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Join to apply for the Senior Counsel, Special Education role at Baltimore County Public Schools

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.

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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).?portal

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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…