What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal - Compliance & Revenue Division (Property Tax Collections) position at Harris County?
The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Paralegal to join our newly created property tax collection team in our Compliance and Revenue Division which specializes in property tax collections. Under the supervision of the Assistant County Attorney leading the property tax collections efforts, the Paralegal in this role will help create and develop the pre-litigation, litigation, or post-judgment team, and will be responsible for the hiring and training of personnel, and the creation of the Team’s processes and procedures. In addition, the Paralegal will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work, including, but not limited to, the job duties listed below, and ensures the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist the Assistant County Attorney in developing the team.
Assist the Assistant County Attorney in creating processes and procedures for the team.
Assist in hiring and managing the team.
Manages a high-volume caseload.
Manages a high call-volume with the public.
Provide litigation support to the department and attorneys in a collaborative effort to move cases forward.
Maintains knowledge of the procedures to open, close, and update files and notes accurately using the case management database and run reports.
Manually maintains and updates case files as needed.
Drafts and/or mails demand letters and installment agreements.
Formats and drafts legal forms such as petitions, citations, judgments, notices of trial, etc.
Generate dismissals, non-suits and releases of judgment when required.
Tract the litigation costs and send court costs letters when necessary.
Reviewing and proofing ‘citation returns.’
Skip tracing (locating individual and their location).
Drafts abstract judgments and sends Writs of Execution to Constables for service.
Calendars hearings, docket control orders, and case management in cases for trials.
Attends court hearings, mediations, trials, and tax-sales.
Communicates regularly with attorneys and other staff members.
Communicates with the public and defendants, including the ability to resolve issues within attorneys' parameters.
Acts as a liaison between courts, clerks, and attorneys as needed.
Meet daily and weekly deadlines related to the many aspects of the litigation process including the collection of amounts owed on cases.
Pick up documents and evidence from tax office and other locations.
Performs other 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.
Supporting Job Application Documents:
Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references with their application.
Education and Experience:
An Associate Degree or higher in Paralegal Studies or a closely similar field
OR
Paralegal certificate
OR
A minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to manage and train a team.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to communicate and work in a collaborative group.
Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
Ability to problem solve, organize, and prioritize assignments to meet deadlines.
Familiarity with commonly used legal terms.
Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
Occasional ability to work extended hours to accommodate caseload demands.
Ability to comply with office training requirements.
Ability to understand and gain knowledge in statutes and rules, specifically in the Texas Tax Code.
Proficiency with technology and legal tools such as Windows 10, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Software, PowerPoint, JIMS, TLO, and DEEDS.
Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
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.
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 and Typical Work 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 person in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.
Physical and Mental Demands:
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, repetitive motions requiring dexterity such as keyboarding that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, communicating with others to exchange concepts and information, problem-solving, decision-making, organization, the ability to read/write, and the ability to manage workplace stressors such as adversarial interactions.
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.
Salary : $100 - $0
