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SalaryPosition Description
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Legal Assistant to join the Children’s Protective Services Division which represents the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in actions involving abused and neglected children in Harris County. Under the general supervision of the Lead Attorney, the Legal Assistant in this role will assist attorneys and paralegals with preparing and processing documents to ensure delivery to the appropriate parties.
In addition to the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, the selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program, which currently allows employees to work from home a few days per week.
In addition to the ability to earn compensatory time for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek, the selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program, which currently allows employees to work from home a few days per week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepares and processes legal documents and correspondences such as petitions, orders, affidavits, motions, responses, pleadings, decrees, citations, publications, case findings, statements of evidence, and discovery.
- Processes information related to new and existing cases and/or emergencies.
- Communicates with internal and external contacts regarding case-related matters and inquiries.
- Creates, organizes, and maintains case files and records in case management system.
- Assigns attorney and paralegal to cases.
- Mails, faxes, or arranges for delivery of legal correspondences to clients, witnesses, court officials, and other parties to the case.
- Calendars hearings, docket control orders, notices, and deadlines for cases.
- Researches and gathers necessary information and records pertaining to legal cases.
- Requests funding for case-related matters.
- Serves as backup to other Legal Assistants and support staff as needed.
- Participates in division meetings and other meetings regarding case-related matters.
- Encourages and mentors other support staff and interns.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Supporting Job Application Documents:
Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references with their application.
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate independently or within a team setting.
- Proficiency in using technology and legal tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite, PDF editing software, JWEB, and DEEDS.
- Knowledge of Texas and federal electronic filing systems such as Texas e-file and federal ECF/Pacer to file and retrieve court documents.
- Familiarity of the Texas Family Code, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct, and Federal statutes related to child welfare laws.
- Ability to use case management software effectively.
- Ability to perform in-person and online e-notary services as a Traditional and Online Notary Public in the State of Texas.
- Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
- Ability to perform multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
- Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
- Ability to comply with the organization’s training requirements.
- Occasional ability to work extended hours when necessary to accommodate caseload demands.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
General Information
Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorney’s Office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network in all civil matters, including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.
Position Type, Typical Work Schedule, and Work Environment:
- This is a full-time position.
- Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional weekends and holidays as necessary.
- Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO.
- The selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program.
- This job typically operates in a professional office environment, and the individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.
Physical and Mental Demands:
- This is largely a sedentary role that requires standing or sitting for prolonged periods, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body, repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision-making, organization, the ability to read/write, and the ability to manage workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.
Compensation:
- The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.
- In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
BENEFITS
Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular(full-time) positions:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Life Insurance
- Long-term disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
- 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
- Professional development opportunities
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Healthcare Reimbursement Account
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:
- Retirement pension (TCDRS)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
- Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)
- Flexible schedules (varies by department)
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/Medical.aspx
