Open Records Officer

Summary: The Open Records Officer is responsible to provide complete and timely responses to the right-to-know requests submitted to and received by the County. In addition, the Open Records Officer will advise all County departments, offices, and boards on issues concerning the Right-to-Know Law, and various other laws concerning privacy, confidentiality, and the release of public records. The Open Records Officer will also provide guidance on record retention in coordination with the Law Department.

Essential Duties: Essential job duties for this position include the following items. Other duties must be performed as assigned or required.

- Respond to right-to-know requests.

- Advise and represent the County of Lehigh in all matters relating to the Right-to-Know Law, except for those matters which involve the District Attorney's Office and Judicial Agencies, as identified under the Right-to-Know Law.

- Work closely with clients to assure compliance with applicable laws.

- Communicate with County personnel and subject matter experts, vendors, and others with interest in the release of public County records and information.

- Review records and provide advice on the public release of records.

- Research issues and draft memoranda and other documents relating to the County's obligations under the Right-to-Know Law and other related laws.

- Assist the County on appeals of Right-to-Know Law requests and related litigation

- Advise the County on document-retention matters.

- Review, evaluate, and periodically update form and training documents to account for changes in the Right-to-Know Law and improvement of the quality and organization of these documents.

- Train County employees and officials on compliance with the Right-to-Know Law.

- Develop workflow and case management system for tracking requests.

- Perform administrative functions related to the Law Department.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Open Records Officer does not have supervisory responsibility for any direct reports.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, the individual in this position must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills and ability required.

Education/Experience:

- Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

- Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies, Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved paralegal program, certification as a Certified Paralegal (CP) by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and/or certification as a Pennsylvania Certified Paralegal (Pa.C.P.) by the Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations