Who We Are
Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60, where we serve over 13,000 students from preschool through grade 12 on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. With one early learning center, 15 elementary schools, five middle schools, and two high school campuses, we are committed to providing an inspiring, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the communities of Waukegan, Beach Park, and Park City.
Why We Do This Work
The Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 has set an ambitious agenda for change, guided by the belief that all children, regardless of circumstances, can achieve at high levels, and academic gaps can and will be eliminated with the support of teachers who deliver engaging, relevant, and academically rigorous instruction that excites students and instills a love of learning in them.
Position Description
Under the direct supervision of the Board of Education's General Counsel, this position serves as the District's FOIA Officer, responding to public information requests. In addition, the Paralegal will be responsible for reviewing legal materials, maintaining and managing correspondence, referencing files and legal documents, conducting legal research for attorneys, compiling data and working with assigned attorneys on developing collective bargaining positions and strategies, collecting and organizing evidence for hearings and legal reports, assisting with administrative and court filings, supporting procurements and contracts, and supporting the work of attorneys as needed. The paralegal will be expected to provide administrative duties necessary for the efficient, confidential and effective operation of the legal office and should have strong organization and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Greet and screen callers and visitors, email correspondents, ascertain nature of inquiry and direct to appropriate personnel.
- Maintain a cordial relationship with staff, parents, outside organizations and multi-lingual community residents.
- Manage the District's public information requests (FOIA), identifying responsive documents, corresponding with requestors and maintaining response logs and reports.
- Assist attorneys in case investigation, including witness interviews, and conduct legal research on relevant laws, cases, regulations and legal articles. Gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents for attorney review and case preparation. Assist in arranging interviews, meetings and other matters, as required.
- Organize and maintain legal documents in a paper and electronic filing system.
- Accurately compose, draft, and process correspondence, reports, presentations, contracts, settlement agreements, affidavits, and memoranda both independently and from oral/written direction to assist attorneys. Provide electronic filing support for Federal and State court and communications with opposing counsel.
- Maintain department files, both electronic and hard copy.
- Evaluate and process incoming correspondence, highlighting important information and deadlines for further attention.
- Assist in the management of confidential personnel management and complaints, including Title IX/Non-Discrimination charges and investigations.
- Order and maintain office supplies and other materials in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Assist in all matters pertaining to budget management. Manage requisitions and financial transactions pertaining to office expenses and reimbursements.
- Handle all details relating to assigned attorneys' attendance at local and national conferences and completion of CLE requirements.
- Perform all other duties as assigned, which may include specialized projects unique to the team area.
- Independently anticipate and act upon the needs of the attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel.
- Use consistent, good judgment and demonstrate sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities; manage assignments and resolve conflicts and competing priorities and deadlines..
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Maintain strict confidentiality in handling and maintaining of sensitive department and District information.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Facilitate a professional and accessible office atmosphere
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- Work independently, compose correspondence and written materials and seek assistance/approvals when necessary.
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- Perform specialized administrative actions in support of program activities unique to the duties and responsibilities of the assigned attorneys.
- Utilize variety of standard office equipment and technology tools such as Google, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Note: The Key Responsibilities listed above outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the position and is intended as a representative, not exhaustive, summary of the work performed. Duties may be added, modified, or removed as the District's needs and funding evolve. This description does not constitute an employment agreement and is provided for position evaluation purposes.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to multitask effectively and prioritize strategically.
- Ability to successfully work in a collaborative environment.
- Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts.
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited University preferred. Associates degree required.
- Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish), but not required.
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds, and educational levels.
- Strong and effective oral and written communication skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations.
- Ability and willingness to maintain absolute confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to maintain timely and accurate records; filing systems (digitally and in hard copy).
- Proven working experience as a paralegal, and paralegal certification, preferred.
- Extensive computer and database expertise.
- Dependability.
- Familiarity with FOIA, labor and employment, immigration and special education topics are helpful, but not required
Preferred
- Experience in diverse, urban school districts.
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) or multilingual proficiency.
Position Term:12 month
Compensation: $50,400 - $81,900
Benefits
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans (TRS and voluntary 403(b)); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); flexible spending accounts; wellness programs; and additional services such as identity theft protection and LegalShield. Refer to the Waukegan Community School District #60 Employee Benefits site for specific eligibility requirements and options.
Pre-employment Background Checks
Employment with Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, fingerprinting, and all required pre-employment screenings, including checks of the Statewide Sex Offender Database and the Statewide Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Database, as mandated by Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-21.9). When applicable, employment is also contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test. Waukegan Community Unit School District No. 60 complies with all applicable state and federal laws governing employment practices.
Reasonable Accommodations
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and applicable state and local laws. If you require assistance or accommodation in completing any part of the application process, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (224) 303-1021.
Application Process
Candidates must submit an online application via the District website www.wps.org by the closing date. Only online positions will be considered. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (224) 303-1021.
EEO Commitment
Waukegan Community Unit School District #60 is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, marital or military/veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, genetics, disability, or any other protected category in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
