Paralegal

About the role

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for a Paralegal to join our team. The Paralegal performs advanced paralegal and contract administration work in support of the Office of General Counsel.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting, reviewing, revising, and processing contracts, amendments, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), interlocal agreements, leases, service agreements, and other legal instruments.
• Cook up contract workflow and routing for review, approval, and execution across departments.
• Maintain and administer the organization’s contract management system, including tracking contract status, compliance requirements, and renewal deadlines.
• Aid in negotiation preparation by compiling background materials, contract histories, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor contract compliance and maintain contract files in accordance with records retention policies and applicable state regulations.
• Aid Legal Counsel and Procurement Staff with contracting activities in accordance with Texas Procurement Laws and applicable regulations, including but not limited to Texas Government Code Chapter 2155 – Purchasing methods for state agencies, Texas Government Code Chapter 2254 – Professional and consulting services contracting, Texas Government Code Chapter 2269 – Contracting and delivery procedures for construction services (when applicable), Texas Government Code Chapter 791 – Interlocal Cooperation Act, Texas Local Government Code Chapter 271 – Cooperative purchasing programs, Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2161.
• Assist with preparation and review of procurement-related contracts and agreements.
• Support documentation for cooperative purchasing agreements and interlocal agreements.
• Review procurement documents for compliance with statutory requirements and agency policy.
• Aid in contract provisions related to grant funding, federal pass-through funds, and state appropriations.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research regarding federal and Texas statutes, administrative rules, and regulatory requirements affecting healthcare providers and governmental entities.
• Prepare legal memoranda, summaries, and briefing materials for attorneys and executive leadership.
• Aid in the development and review of organizational policies, procedures, and standard contract templates.
• Monitor changes in applicable laws affecting public sector contracting and healthcare services.
• Assist attorneys with litigation support, including organizing case files, maintaining document repositories, and coordinating responses to discovery requests.
• Maintain records associated with claims, disputes, and administrative proceedings.
• Aid with document production and records collection.
• Maintain official legal and contract records in compliance with Texas records retention schedules and organizational policies.
• Cook up contracts and legal documents, including electronic signature processes.
• Aid in preparation of reports, legal updates, and board materials as requested by legal leadership.
• Serve as a liaison between the Legal Department, procurement staff, and operational departments regarding contract procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, business administration, public administration or related field.
• Paralegal certification from an ABA-approved program is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of paralegal, legal operations, or contract administration experience.
• PREFERRED: Government or quasi-government entities, Healthcare organizations, Public procurement or grant-funded programs and Contract management systems.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of contract law, legal terminology, and contract administration practices.
• Knowledge of Texas public procurement and contracting statutes preferred.
• Ability to review and analyze complex contracts and legal documents.
• Strong legal research and technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management software.