Job Description

Legal Assistant Position

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.

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.

Other Duties:

• This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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:

• 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.

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. 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.

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan. The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO):

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit:

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

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