Attorney Investigator

Job Title

The CDE seeks an attorney with a passion for public interest work that directly impacts students with disabilities across Colorado.

Job Description

This position is full-time, federally funded (funding is expected to continue indefinitely unless otherwise indicated in this posting), and is Hybrid (Remote/Home Office with a requirement to report to Work location per business needs). Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs. Up to 20% of travel may be required depending on the assigned investigations. Overnight travel may be required on a rare occasion. Out-of-state travel may be required for conferences once or twice a year. Driving Required (Please see Conditions of Employment). A Remote (Home) office is required. Required to report to the work location per business needs. Essential Functions (ADAAA) LIGHT/Office environment: Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time. May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally. Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Position Summary: The CDE seeks an attorney with a passion for public interest work that directly impacts students with disabilities across Colorado. The attorney will join a talented dispute resolution team to impartially investigate special education state complaints and issue final decisions. This writing-intensive role is perfect for someone who thrives on autonomy and values creating clear, objective written content. The attorney is empowered to manage time effectively and meet strict deadlines in a flexible work environment that prioritizes a balanced lifestyle.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school and admitted to the Bar of any U.S. state. Qualifications for Success in the Position: Attorney licensure in good standing with a state or federal licensing authority. Demonstrated ability to evaluate evidence and pleadings to identify issues for investigation, conduct strategic witness interviews to obtain relevant information, and make relevant findings of fact and conclusions of law in state complaint decisions. Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and to prepare/write legal documents and decisions with clear issue statements and application of facts to relevant law. Ability to remain impartial and objective throughout the work. Demonstrated ability to communicate efficiently and professionally in a wide variety of situations. Ability to take constructive feedback and recommendations from teams, internal and external. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.). Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations. Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, and other CDE units). Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work. Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized. Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.

Conditions of Employment (Required): Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check. Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (up to 5 to 10%). Work extended schedule per business needs. Report to work location per business needs. Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability. Driving Required: To ensure the safety and efficiency of CDE operations, certain positions are designated as "Driving Required." These positions are required to safely operate a motor vehicle or a State of Colorado Fleet motor vehicle to complete the travel requirements. These positions are subject to a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and a valid driver's license requirement if it meets the following criteria: Travel Threshold: The position requires business-related travel totaling 20% or more of standard working hours; AND Operational Necessity: The travel requirements cannot be reasonably or efficiently met by alternative transportation (e.g., public transit, ride-sharing, or rail) due to: Significant travel distances or out-of-state requirements. A high frequency of stops at multiple locations throughout the workday. The need to transport equipment or travel to areas where public transportation is unavailable or impractical.

Supplemental Information

Complete Applications must include Transcript: Required if using education to meet MQs - Attached to the online application and meeting requirements as described under "College Transcripts". Completed Online Application: Required - Submitted through our ATS. Cover Letter: Required - Attached to application Resume: Required - Attached to application

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO: College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position. Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "View email address on click.appcast.io" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email.