Paralegal II

Bureau & Division: Executive Bureau - Legal Department
Reporting Location: 1200 Baker Street, Houston, TX 77002

Responsibilities

• Handle and prepare responses to open records and subpoena requests
• Support employee disciplinary action processes by drafting letters and monitoring administrative appeals
• Assist the Harris County Attorney’s Office with discovery requests related to litigation
• Draft and prepare Grand Jury correspondence
• Conduct legal research
• Update and maintain various databases of the Legal Services Division
• Gather and analyze legal documents and records from various HCSO bureaus/divisions
• Assist with other legal requests as assigned by the supervisor to support the legal needs of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office

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 position at any time.

Requirements

For your application to be considered for this position, a copy of your paralegal certificate or degree must be included.

• Associate’s degree in paralegal studies OR
• Certificate of completion from a paralegal certification program of education and training
• Three years of paralegal experience

Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

• Previous knowledge of or ability to learn how to use Harris County Justice Information Management System (“JIMS”), HCSO mugshot database, EXCEL, ACCESS, GovQA, IAPro, Superion, SIRS, CAD, and LexisNexis or Westlaw is preferable
• HCSO Policies and Procedures and Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures
• Full understanding of all services provided by HCSO Legal Services
• Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedures, TPIA, and Texas Government Code

Skilled In:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Proficient in the use of office equipment, including, but not limited to, computer terminal, copier, calculator, printer, and fax machine
• Exceptional language skills so that written and oral communications can be presented clearly
• Able to comprehend verbal, written, and electronic communications; able to articulate verbal, written, and electronic communication in proper form and so that others can comprehend
• Highly organized and self-motivated

Ability To:

• Train in all aspects of Legal Services and step in as needed
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Organize and prioritize requests and assignments
• Interact effectively with co-workers and the public
• Interact professionally with inmates
• Distinguish legal forms
• Draft exceptional letters
• Handle confidential information
• Work overtime and/or varying duty hours as deemed necessary, with an excellent attendance record

Preferences

• Five years of paralegal experience with a background in handling and processing subpoenas, discovery requests, and open records requests

Schedule

• Full-time position
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Hours may vary based on the business needs of the department

Work Environment

• Formal office setting
• Standard office supplies, including computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines, are frequently used

Physical Demands

• Sedentary position, but lifting files and/or boxes of files, paperwork, etc. requires the ability to lift and transport up to 10 pounds