PASCO SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1 EMPLOYEE SERVICES 1215 WEST LEWIS ST PASCO, WASHINGTON 99301 PHONE (509) 543-6700 FAX (509) 543-6728 Open: July 30, 2024 Close: Open until filled; First screening August 13, 2024 POSITION: PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICER & LEGAL ASSISTANT Booth Building-Exempt Position EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately SALARY: $73,141-$88,171 through August 31, 2024 $75,847-$91,434 beginning September 1, 2024 SCHEDULE: 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday 260 day - work year This position serves as the designated Public Records Officer for Pasco School District and provides confidential assistance to the General Counsel/Assistant Superintendent of Legal Services. The Records Officer analyzes, processes, and responds to public records requests submitted to the District, in compliance with State law and District policies. The Records Officer also receives and responds to student records requests consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA") (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). This position serves as the primary point of contact for members of the public and families seeking records and ensures district compliance with records disclosure and retention policies. Essential duties include maintaining strict confidentiality of information and records and interacting with staff and patrons to provide high levels of customer service. The position serves as a liaison between the Legal Services Department and other departments and schools to provide guidance and information to district administrators. Independent judgment, confidentiality, and self-direction are characteristics of this position, with work generally performed in an office setting. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: * AA degree or completion of paralegal program required; BA degree preferred, or any combination of related training, education, or experience may be substituted for degree * At least 5 years of progressively responsible paralegal, legal secretary, administrative assistant, or public records experience which demonstrates the ability to excel in a detailed, high demand, time sensitive environment * Outstanding interpersonal communication skills and the ability to successfully manage and resolve difficult situations * Experience or knowledge of the Washington Public Records Act; knowledge and/or experience in Washington public school law desired * Demonstrated experience managing confidential records and information, including ability to work with exceptional detail, accuracy, analyze information, and make recommendations * Excellent business writing skills * Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment to organize, set priorities, coordinate activities, independently handle multiple complex assignments, and respond to time-sensitive inquiries * Demonstrated ability to work within designated bounds of authority and confidentiality * Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure with frequent interruptions, while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor * Ability to establish and maintain collaborative, effective, positive working relationships with staff and the public * Demonstrated punctuality and an excellent work attendance record * Experience working in Office 365 and AdobePro; experience with records management, email archiving, or database management software preferred. * Ability to work a flexible schedule at times to meet deadlines and schedules of special projects * Valid Washington State driver's license and reliable transportation * Ability to follow safe work practices and procedures DESIRED: (Qualifications which are not required, but would be useful to the position) * Bilingual/Biliterate in English/Spanish * Experience in PowerSchool, BusinessPlus, JustFOIA, and/or NextRequest programs * Prior experience with the Washington Public Records Act * Knowledge of school district policies, practices, and procedures * Knowledge of Washington state records retention rules for public agencies SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Serve as the designated Public Records Officer for the District and as the primary contact for receipt and processing of records requests and legal matters * Coordinate and administer all records requests received by the District under the Public Records Act ("PRA") and FERPA. * Oversee, manage, coordinate and respond to public records requests to ensures the district's compliance with the Washington Public Records Act, including but not limited to: * Receive and log all oral or written requests; evaluate requests, seek clarification as needed, and determine estimated time for processing; * Follow statutory timelines and notice requirements; coordinate record/data gathering; review records, determine applicable exemptions, and make necessary redactions; * Copy, scan, and provide access to records; prepare written correspondence; maintain complete files of public records requests with the district's responses; * Consult with the General Counsel to determine clarification of legal issues as needed; provide assistance to General Counsel if legal action ensues; certify district records, provide declarations or testimony if needed. * Perform legal research and present possible solutions and alternatives to the General Counsel. * Maintain a strong working knowledge of all software or electronic management systems used for gathering, redacting, and providing records to requestors. * Maintain and operate the district's online records portal and recommend processes to ensure compliance with the Public Records Act. * Conducts training regarding PRA, records retention, and FERPA for staff; prepare annual reports. * Provide confidential administrative support services to the Legal Services Department, including telephone and personal reception, acting as liaison, scheduling appointments, drafting letters and emails, holding intake meetings, establishing priorities, briefing the Assistant Superintendent before meetings, and performing special projects as requested * Assist with internal pre-litigation and litigation matters including records searches, drafting and formatting documents to court standards, multiple contacts with court personnel, tracking litigation, and filing documents. * Manage and respond to agency-to-agency records requests, including search warrants and subpoenas * Prepare and monitor budgets, process travel, purchasing, and assist operational departments with special projects as needed. * Uses professional judgment to proactively manage executive schedules and prepare materials for meetings and public presentations. * Collaborate with operations staff in the district's emergency response protocols, ensuring accurate and timely communication regarding urgent matters. * Coordinate with outside counsel, state agencies, and investigators. * Maintain District policies and procedures; post to the website ensuring accessibility. * Maintain strict confidentiality of any and all viewed records; participate in risk management meetings and maintain related documentation. * Perform other related duties as assigned. EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board of Directors policy regarding evaluation of all employees REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent of Legal and Business Services Letters and applications received after closing date will only be accepted and screened if the position remains unfilled. NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION: Pasco School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, age, religion, color, national origin, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of trained guide dog or service animal. Pasco School District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other designated youth groups. Questions and complaints of alleged discrimination should be addressed to the following designated employees: Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Officer-Sarah Thornton; 1215 W. Lewis St., Pasco, WA 99301, 509-543-6700, sthornton@psd1.org; and Sec. 504 Coordinator-Kristi Docken, 1215 W. Lewis St., Pasco, WA 99301, 509-543-6700, kdocken@psd1.org.