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Human Resources Staff Attorney

Employer
Minneapolis Public Schools
Location
Minneapolis, MN, US
Salary
Competitive

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Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.
Job Title: Human Resources Staff Attorney and Requisition ID number: 57433
Close Date: 11:59 PM on
Organizational Unit: Office of the Chief HR Officer (10000975)
Site: Davis Center (0001)
FTE: 1.0; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time
Union: Non-Represented(44)
Functional Area: Administrative

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

SUMMARY Under supervision of HR Executive Director, provides advice and counsel for the HR department, and MPS executive management on all HR legal matters concerning the district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provides advice and counsel to Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Director of Human Resources and the human resources management team in regards to employment law matters, including but not limited to matters involving hiring, reasonable accommodations, performance, discipline and employment investigations.
  • Represents the District in arbitration, mediation, civil service, and veteran hearings.
  • Provides legal analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of District's position related to HR processes and discipline matters and provides recommendations on how to resolve or move a matter to arbitration where applicable; also negotiates and drafts settlement agreements and releases when needed
  • Provides advice and consultation to management and District staff on the interpretation and consistent application of District employment policies and collective bargaining agreements, as well as relevant District, State and Federal laws, rules, regulations and policies while exercising the highest degree of confidentiality and professionalism
  • Supports the District's General Counsel's Office on agency complaints and litigation related to employment and labor matters.
  • Supports District negotiations with bargaining units and works in partnership with the Executive Director of HR to prepare and negotiate labor contracts including meeting with managers and negotiation team to develop tactical positions, researching prior contract negotiations and issues, and developing proposed, tentative and final agreements on contract provisions and articles.
  • Conducts legal research and provides training on employment and labor law issues including specific public sector issues, including due process requirements, Teacher Tenure Act, and Public Employer Labor Relations Association (PELRA) standards and strategies, ADA, FMLA and other relevant laws.
  • Keeps up to date of applicable laws, regulations, statutes, rules and policies affecting schools, education and employee labor unions and maintains and communicates such information to HR staff.
  • Monitors trends in HR law, regulations and legislative issues, and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements.
  • Works in partnership with department leadership to conduct seminars and workshops in the areas of human resources and labor relations.
  • Exercises independent judgment within policy guidelines; analyzes issues and recommends solutions.
  • Prepares and presents reports on Human Resources issues.
  • Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
  • Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent's goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
  • Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
  • Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis
  • At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Juris Doctor Degree is required; AND five (5) years of experience as an attorney in a public sector legal practice; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
Knowledge of:
• Minnesota criminal and civil statutes, rules, case law, administrative orders, policies and procedures, and applicable Federal rules and regulations governing public education.
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting public education.
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.
• Techniques for case management, and the development and presentation of legal strategies.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.
• Duties, powers, authorities and limitations of an Assistant General Counsel.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.

Skill in:
• Analyzing administrative and operational data and issues, interpreting laws and regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues.
• Litigating cases in legal hearings and courtroom settings.
• Effectively assessing, interpreting and applying criminal and civil laws to information, evidence and other data compiled.
• Investigating, analyzing and resolving District issues and complaints.
• Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements, and mediating difficult situations.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, community leaders, government agency representatives, and the public.
• Operating a computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.


LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Minnesota State Driver's License may be required.
Must be licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Law Examiners to practice law, and remain active with all license requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

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