] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → MPIA SPECIALIST - EFF. 7.1.25

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

MPIA Specialist - Eff. 7.1.25

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: MPIA Specialist CODE: 5509 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: MPIA Specialist - Eff. 7.1.25 GRADE: 23 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, organizes and executes the work of the office to respond to Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests. The work of the position requires timely processing, interpretation of requests, collaboration with MCPS offices and school administration, and proper application of current MPIA guidelines and timelines in order to maintain compliance. Work also involves a high level of organization; detailed recordkeeping; data tracking and analysis; researching, obtaining, reviewing and redacting responsive materials, in accordance with MPIA standards; crafting responses and drafting memoranda; engaging stakeholders, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, and conferring with MCPS administration, staff, and the Office of the General Counsel. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) As is necessary to complete tasks on deadlines or to support the work of the office as it supports system wide events.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Maryland Public Information Act and ability to properly apply the legal guidelines as outlined in the Public Information Act Manual. Considerable knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Knowledge of privacy laws applicable to government agencies and public school systems highly preferred. The ability to work and plan both independently and collaboratively and complete assignments in a timely and efficient manner, frequently under pressure and deadline requirements. Ability to effectively and proactively engage stakeholders, requesters and all levels of MCPS leadership and staff. Ability to create and maintain a complex system of records; ability to gather and understand complex information and data in order to effectively respond to MPIA requests. Ability to handle multiple projects and react quickly to requests. Excellent interpersonal, human relations, oral, and written communication skills required. Advanced knowledge of English usage, including grammar and composition. Demonstrated ability to develop project strategies to gather and produce responsive information; ability to clearly and accurately communicate a wide variety of information to diverse audiences. Skilled in the use of technology, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Google Suite, and Adobe Pro. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required in communications, legal studies, public policy, journalism or English preferred. A minimum of three years of experience coordinating or responding to public information requests of governmental organizations. Combinations of applicable education, training and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Note: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or ability associated with this classification in every office, but is intended to accurately reflect the core job elements.)Conducts internal research to locate records and/or documents held that relate to particular requests. May conduct external research to understand records and the context of information as needed.Reviews information to ensure appropriate, responsive content, identify related risks, and accurately apply exceptions and privacy laws. Properly applies guidelines charging search and preparation fees.Liaises, advises and negotiates with information owners concerning the potential release of sensitive and complex information.Confers with MCPS offices to understand information and documents provided to ensure responsiveness to requests.Processes requests to meet strict timelines; engages information owners to ensure the proper documents and information is provided by MPIA-mandated deadlines.Informs and continuously updates stakeholders of the legal requirements to provide the public with company information in compliance with the Maryland Public Information Act.Ensures that office directors are fully briefed regarding requests and responses.Develops and maintains project plans, calendars, records, responsive documents and internal tracking and filing systems.Confers with MCPS general counsel regarding complex requests and related legal issues as needed. Assists with locating and producing documents for legal matters as needed.Engages the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and the public access ombudsman as needed.Maintains knowledge of new legislation and guidelines, relative to the MPIA.Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

This description may be changed at any time.