Temporary Part Time Legal Research Specialist

The City of Bloomington has an exciting job opportunity as a Temporary Part Time Legal Research Specialist. We invite diverse talent to join our team and help advance our mission focusing on economic vitality, attainable housing, public safety, progress partnerships, inclusion, open government, sustainability, transportation, and quality of place. Come join us and be part of shaping the vibrant future of Bloomington, Indiana.


Provides research services, drafting services, constituent services, grant and program services and document preparation and support for public meetings, all in compliance with the Indiana Open Door Law, the Access to Public Records Act, the Bloomington Municipal Code and other relevant laws in support of the Office of Common Council.

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed. The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Primary

Performs research regarding laws and policies; searches, collects, analyzes and synthesizes data, information and resources; and makes recommendations to support legislation, initiatives and objectives of Council and individual Councilmembers.

Drafts, analyzes, and edits legislation, amendments, public meeting agenda, public meeting notices, reports, position letters, press releases, memoranda, and other documents.

Prepares, distributes and uploads the legislative packet for public meetings of Council and its committees, including agenda, notices, legislation, memoranda and related documents; maintains Council's web page, relevant public calendars and published schedules of public meetings; and posts and publishes public notices and agenda, all in compliance with the Indiana Open Door Law and the Access to Public Records Act.

Administers the Jack Hopkins Social Services grant program. Responsible for overseeing the application, review/selection, awarding, payment, and tracking/reporting processes for the program. Supports meetings and prepares materials as needed regarding the same. Communicates with grant applicants and answers questions related to the grant criteria and funding cycle. Liaises with the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department to support the program.

Provides administrative, technical and media support for Council meetings and for Council committees and programs, as needed.

Maintains office records and assists with the retention and destruction of same in compliance with applicable laws, and assists in reviewing and responding to requests for public records in compliance with the Access to Public Records Act and other laws

Processes claims and purchase orders; produces financial reports; maintains the office budget; creates the office budget; and collaborates with Council Attorney in tracking objectives, benchmarks and legislative priorities. Maintains office supplies and equipment.

Secondary

May perform duties of other department staff as needed.

Bachelor's degree or associate’s degree or candidate for such diploma in the field of public policy, government affairs, library sciences, law or English or equivalent knowledge and experience

Prior work experience in a similar position, preferred.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of attorney-client privilege.

Ability to apply multiple laws, policies and best practices simultaneously and to seek guidance when appropriate.

Knowledge and experience in Zoom Workplace, Onboard, Google, Word and/or similar software, preferred.

Knowledge or experience of grant-making or project management, preferred.

Difficulty of Work

Work environment is a modern office with no unusual physical demands. Work is performed in a high-profile, political environment with constant deadlines while subject to scrutiny from the public and the executive branch.

Position exercises critical thinking and analysis, synthesizing information, meeting deadlines, and managing projects, including but not limited to a grant program.

Must exercise discretion and maintain composure when handling citizens who may be upset at actions of the City or City Council.

Independent judgment is used in the performance of duties in accordance with general guidelines.

Requires evening and/or weekend work to complete job responsibilities as needed.

Personal Work Relationships

Position maintains frequent contact with members of the public, grant applicants, City Council members, City officials and staff, and external organizations, for a variety of purposes.

Works closely with the Council Members, City Clerk and staff; and supervises department interns.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, La Egualdad De Oportunidades De Empleo Es La Ley. The City of Bloomington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Bloomington validates authorization to work using E-Verify, which provides the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee’s I-9 form to confirm work authorization.