Title Examiner - Property Tax Division

About the Role

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Title Examiner to join the Property Tax Division, which specializes in lawsuits for debt collection and enforcement of laws that protect the interest of Harris County. Under the supervision of the Division Director and supervising attorney, the Title Examiner will assist attorneys and staff in locating and providing information about owners of, liens filed against, and legal descriptions for real property assessed under delinquent tax accounts.

Located in downtown Houston, HCAO serves as the chief civil law office for Harris County, Texas’s largest county. The office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and multiple emergency network agencies in civil legal matters. The County Attorney’s Office plays a vital role in protecting the legal interests of Harris County, advising public officials, supporting effective county operations, and serving residents through high-quality, ethical, and professional legal work.

Responsibilities

• Obtains title examination materials from title plants and/or county records.
• Reviews information set out in documents located during searches of records.
• Assembles a chain-of-title that includes deeds, probate or heirship materials, liens that encumber search properties, and involuntary liens against owners.
• Regularly works with, or answers questions for, other parties who enter information from a title examination into the computer system.
• Identifies property owners and lien holders of mortgage and involuntary liens.
• Furnishes a legal description identifying property with reasonable certainty.
• Creates a run sheet that contains a legal description for land assessed under a delinquent account plus names of property owners and all lien holders.
• Saves run sheets and digital copies of examination materials.
• Performs multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
• Picks up documents and evidence from tax office and other locations.
• Responds promptly to phone calls, emails, and other correspondence.
• Participates in one-on-one sessions with management to give and receive feedback.
• Encourages and mentors other title examiners, interns, and law clerks.
• Participates in Division staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in land title examinations or a related area.

Skills

• Familiarity with real estate transactions and how real property is described.
• Knowledge about ownership of, and interests in, real property.
• Understanding of legal documents that convey and encumber real property.
• Strong skills in interpreting wills and heirship information.
• Experience using title plants and courthouse records in the metro Houston area.
• The ability to handle work in a production-oriented environment.
• Typing skills that facilitate the quick entry of information into reports.
• A working understanding of multiple sources of land title information.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative group.
• Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, and PowerPoint.
• Must be self-motivated and able to make decisions independently.
• Ability to comply with Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate case load demands.
• Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to comply with office training requirements.

Schedule

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.

Work Environment

This position primarily operates in a professional office environment. The individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones. 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. The role involves repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision making, organization, reading/writing, and managing workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.

Benefits

Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans. 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.