Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney

State of Washington•Olympia, WA

50d•$105,264 - $117,613•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill a Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney position. This full-time position is based in Olympia, Washington. This position may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework. Telework is a combination of in-building and off-site days. We encourage interested candidates to visit the OSPI website to gain insight into our agency. The Civil Rights Investigations Program Attorney is a strong leader and skilled civil rights investigator, reporting to the Equity and Civil Rights Managing Attorney within OSPI's Office of Legal Affairs and Equity and Civil Rights Office. This position provides leadership and coordination for OSPI's discrimination complaint investigation process, ensuring compliance with state and federal law. The Program Attorney leads the Equity and Civil Rights Office's investigations work, including managing complaint intake and evaluations, overseeing quality and promptness of investigations and investigation-related correspondence, and maintaining and developing investigation procedures. The Program Attorney engages collaboratively with Equity and Civil Rights team members who participate in investigations to provide coaching, assistance with investigation planning, and drafting and editing support, while also maintaining an investigation caseload. The Program Attorney also works closely with the Managing Attorney on strategies and decision-making. This role requires strong leadership, legal analysis, investigation planning and coordination, oral and written communication, and coaching skills to ensure consistent, effective, and legally sound management of the Equity and Civil Rights discrimination complaint workload.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate degree.
4 years of investigations experience, including legal analysis.
Ability to travel throughout Washington State.
Ability to work in a team setting without constant supervision.
Self-motivated.
Attention to detail.
Substantial knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws, regulations, and standards for compliance as they relate to public education.
Ability to conduct legal research and analyze complex legal issues.
Ability to develop practical solutions to disputes or noncompliance for schools and families.
Ability to articulate ideas and complex legal concepts clearly and effectively, in both written and oral form, to a variety of individuals, including public speaking before a range of audiences.
Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
Knowledge and experience in effective program planning and training development.
Strong skills in the use of technology for presentations, data collection, and communications.
Knowledge of the responsibilities of state education agencies and the roles and responsibilities of other agencies.

Nice To Haves

5 years of experience with legal analysis and conducting investigations, preferably in discrimination, equal access, or disability rights.
5 years of experience responding to parent and student concerns, preferably in regards to issues of discrimination, equal access, or disability rights.
Experience with leading projects or initiatives, including setting priorities, tracking progress, and ensuring successful completion.
Ability to provide constructive feedback, coaching, and guidance to colleagues in a collaborative setting.
Ability to coordinate across teams, facilitate discussions, and support decision-making.
Ability to work remotely while maintaining effective communication with OSPI colleagues and participation in department and agency initiatives, as well as effective external communication with parents, LEA staff, and other interested parties.
Ability to travel to OSPI on a semi-regular basis, as well as for mandatory meetings.
Knowledge and experience in the K-12 educational system.

Responsibilities

Leads and supports overall project management of OSPI investigations into alleged discrimination and violations of state nondiscrimination law, rules, and guidelines in Washington K-12 public schools. This includes overseeing internal processing procedures; planning, organizing, and managing the ongoing work of investigators; establishing goals and internal timelines; overseeing the complaint intake process; and establishing and maintaining templates and legal standards.
Provides leadership and coordination for OSPI's discrimination complaint investigation process, including coaching and assisting Equity and Civil Rights staff members with investigation planning, strategy, and writing. Consults with and provides recommendations to Managing Attorney on appropriate actions related to investigations, including advising on scope, questions of evidence, and application of law and appropriate resolutions.
Responds to allegations and complaints of discrimination in Washington K-12 public schools by coordinating and conducting investigations, including identifying legal issues, reviewing data, conducting interviews and on-site visits, developing reports, negotiating voluntary resolution agreements, and recommending and monitoring corrective action.
Conducts legal research and analyzes nondiscrimination laws, rules, case law, and guidance.
Participates in the Equity and Civil Rights Office's work to develop, implement, and revise legally enforceable rules and guidelines to eliminate discrimination in public school employment, counseling and guidance services for students, recreational and athletic activities, access to course offerings, and in textbooks and instructional materials, as required under chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW.
Develops and disseminates accurate and professional technical assistance, guidance, and resources related to civil rights in Washington K-12 public schools.
Designs, facilitates, and provides trainings and workshops for school districts and other interested parties regarding state and federal civil rights laws, district responsibilities, student and family rights, and complaint procedures.
Participates or assists in other Equity and Civil Rights Office work as needed, including preparing bulletins, newsletters, and other reports that support the work of the division and agency; providing information, reports, and recommendations to the legislature regarding civil rights in Washington public schools; and assisting in maintaining the Equity and Civil Rights website.
Collaborates with other OSPI departments on issues related to civil rights and other legal issues, including assisting with investigations, research, or other assignments for the Office of Legal Affairs division, as needed.

Benefits

Washington State offers a generous benefit package including health, dental and life insurance, retirement and an optional deferred compensation program.

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