Texas Public Information Act Specialist

This person shall be responsible for the City's compliance with the Texas Public Information Act "TPIA" (Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code).

• Receive all requests submitted to the City of Midland subject to the TPIA.
• Forward requests to appropriate City departments and follow up with departments until responsive documents are received.
• Adhere to strict time deadlines set out under the TPIA.
• Perform research using the Texas Attorney General's website and the TPIA handbook.
• Keep in constant communication with Police Department regarding new requests being processed.
• Maintain database of all requests received under the TPIA.
• Communicate with the Texas Attorney General's office regarding pending requests.
• Review all materials responsive to requests made under the TPIA to ascertain how each request should be handled.
• Use Adobe Acrobat to review and redact documents as needed.
• Review video and audio recordings and use software to edit recordings to remove confidential information as needed.
• Prepare and submit written requests for opinions to be sent to the Texas Attorney General.
• Prepare and send written responses to individuals who have requested information.
• Respond to questions from individuals requesting information via telephone and email.
• Receive opinions from Texas Attorney General and release information to requestors as instructed.
• Prioritize and organize own work to meet required deadlines.
• Perform tasks timely in a fast-paced environment.
• Handle highly confidential information discretely.
• Maintain complete confidentiality of records.
• Possess ability to work non-traditional hours when necessary.
• Enforce legal requirements for dissemination of records.
• Attend yearly Texas Attorney General Open Government Conferences to stay updated on changes to the TPIA.
• Performs related duties as required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to sit, stand, climb stairs/steps, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk for long distances and move about a building and be able to lift up to but not limited to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must be able to attend meetings in the evening and at other locations.Must have the ability to effectively communicate with the general public and employees. Must possess both good telephone and public relations skills.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
Skill in the use of personal computer, printers, fax machine and other various office machines is required. Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. The selected individual must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
This is not an entry level position. At least three years of experience in submitting requests to the Texas Attorney General under the Texas Public Information Act is preferred. The ability to prioritize and organize well, work quickly and accurately, and be consistently detailed oriented is essential. The successful applicant must possess strong proficiency in MS Office products, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Also, proficiency in WordPerfect, Adobe Acrobat, Corel Paint Shop, and audio and video editing software is required. A minimum of a High School Diploma and Associate's Degree is preferred. Texas Paralegal Certification or Associate's Degree as a Paralegal is a plus. A valid Texas Driver's License is required.

Wages & Hours
Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends.

Salary : $56,932