Paralegal - Children's Protective Services
Harris CountyPosition Description
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Paralegal 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 Paralegal will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures. The Paralegal in this role is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, and will serve as the liaison between the courts, clerks, attorneys, and the public as needed.
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:
- Manages a high-volume caseload.
- 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.
- Researches and gathers necessary information and records pertaining to legal cases.
- Communicates with internal and external contacts regarding case-related matters and inquiries.
- Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
- Creates, Organizes, and maintains case files and records in case management system.
- Performs notary services as a Traditional and Online Notary Public in the State of Texas for case-related matters.
- Attend hearings and trials to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.
- Calendars hearings, docket control orders, notices, and deadlines for cases.
- Serves as backup to other Paralegals 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
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 and resume with three (3) professional references with their application.
Education and Experience:
An Associates Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely related field
OR
Paralegal certificate
OR
A minimum of five (5) years of experience working as a paralegal.
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, DEEDS, and TLO.
- 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.
- Knowledge of Texas and federal electronic filing systems such as Texas e-file and federal ECF/Pacer to file and retrieve court documents.
- 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. 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.
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.