Closing Date: 15th May, 2024
Description:
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) and the Title IX Coordinator, with latitude for independent action, the Title IX Attorney will work within district and field offices and in support of schools to ensure department-wide compliance with Title IX, as well as EEO laws and policies. Performs related work.Reports to: Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, and Title IX Coordinator
Direct Reports: N/A
Key Relationships: Serves as a liaison and subject matter expert to district and school-based personnel regarding matters relating to Title IX compliance.
Responsibilities:
- Acts as liaison with DOE schools and borough field offices in matters relating to Title IX compliance.
- Serves as a subject matter expert on Title IX and its implementation regulations. Keeps informed of current research, legal and judicial decisions related to Title IX and gender equity.
- Helps ensure that appropriate interim remedial steps are taken, where necessary, to ensure compliance with Title IX.
- Receives, processes, and investigates Title IX complaints in designated borough, as well as other discrimination complaints, from students, staff, parents and third parties.
- Conducts interviews of all relevant parties, including but not limited to, the complainant, the respondent, witnesses, students, parents of students, and staff members.
- Analyzes complaints, conducts fact-finding, reviews documents, conducts related legal research, prepares any related correspondence, drafts and submits confidential reports containing investigative findings.
- Ensures supportive measures are enacted for all parties to the proceeding in order to restore and/or preserve equal access to their education program or activity.
- Follows up with parties regarding implementation of recommendations contained in dispositions. Seek assistance from parties' supervisors or advisors, if necessary to implement recommendations.
- Works to decrease sex discrimination at the school level by developing and maintaining a strong and visible role in the school community.
- Coordinates with Office of Safety and Youth Development (OSYD), Office of Special Investigations (OSI), Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI), Office of Employee Relations, General Practice Unit (GPU), the Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) and other school administrators and DOE offices on related matters.
- Ensures investigation and disciplinary proceedings related to gender and sexual harassment comply with DOE policies, Chancellor's Regulations, and federal Title IX regulations and guidance.
- Organizes and maintains a record-keeping system for Title IX documents related to trainings, investigations, hearings, supportive measures, and other processes.
- Reviews and analyzes borough-wide data and statistics related to the implementation of Title IX to identify patterns of gender and sexual harassment.
- Provides training regarding Title IX compliance to schools, district personnel, and related offices.
- Contributes to the coordination and completion of any reports mandated by Federal, State, and local agencies such as the Equal Employment Practices Commission (EEPC) report.
- Assists in the analysis and/or preparation of reports indicating complaint trends based on data collected.
- Attend city, state and national conferences, events, and trainings pertaining to Title IX developments and on gender equity issues, and share the information with administrators and staff.
- Responds to audits by the The Department of the Government of New York City Office of Civil Rights (OCR), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), or The Department of the Government of New York City, and monitors compliance with resolution agreements entered into.
- Keeps OEO's leadership apprised of guidance from OCR, DOJ, and SED on areas impacting Title IX compliance, as well as trends in policies and Title IX case law.
- Manages highly sensitive and confidential information, including FERPA compliance.
- Acts as a resource to staff members, students, and families on Title IX matters, and provides training, consultation, technical assistance, and information services to the DOE community regarding Title IX requirements, complaints, and compliance programs.
- Travels throughout the New York City boroughs for trainings, interviews, and compliance information.
Qualification Requirements:
Minimum:
- Admission to the New York State Bar; and either 2 or 3 below.
- One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
- Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Intern (30086).
Incumbents must remain Member of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.
L3/4:
Admission to the New York State Bar AND three (3) years of progressively responsible United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar.
NOTE: Selected candidates must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of their employment.
Preferred:
- Prior experience providing advice and counsel regarding EEO, Title IX, affirmative action, and diversity-related matters.
- Prior experience analyzing workforce data.
- Excellent organizational skills; ability to effectively document, track, and report on decisions made over time; ability to balance the big picture with the detailed steps needed to reach the end goal.
- Ability to learn quickly, work independently, and take initiative.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage and meet frequent and changing deadlines.
- Ability to manage multiple investigations and projects at once and see them through to successful completion.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for individuals during the investigative process.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build and cultivate personal relationships, work effectively with diverse groups, and drive agreement in the face of different opinions.
- Experience developing trainings for adults.
- Experience utilizing Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to travel frequently within the five boroughs of New York City.
