Paralegal - Children's Protective Services Division

Position Description

Position Overview:

The Harris County Attorney's Office (HCAO) is seeking a Paralegal to join the Children’s Protective Services Division which represents the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in actions involving abused and neglected children in Harris County. Under the general supervision of the Lead Attorney, the Paralegal will perform delegated and supervised substantive legal work which requires an understanding of legal principles and procedures. The Paralegal in this role is responsible for ensuring the smooth and timely preparation of cases from inception through trial, and will serve as the liaison between the courts, clerks, attorneys, and the public as needed. The selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the HCAO telework program, which currently allows employees to work from home a few days per week.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages a high-volume caseload.
• Prepares and processes legal documents and correspondences such as petitions, orders, affidavits, motions, responses, pleadings, decrees, citations, publications, case findings, statements of evidence, and discovery.
• Researches and gathers necessary information and records pertaining to legal cases.
• Communicates with internal and external contacts regarding case-related matters and inquiries.
• Prepare for trial by performing tasks such as organizing exhibits.
• Creates, Organizes, and maintains case files and records in case management system.
• Performs notary services as a Traditional and Online Notary Public in the State of Texas for case-related matters.
• Attend hearings and trials to hear oral arguments or record necessary case information.
• Calendars hearings, docket control orders, notices, and deadlines for cases.
• Serves as backup to other Paralegals and support staff as needed.
• Participates in division meetings and other meetings regarding case-related matters.
• Encourages and mentors other support staff and interns.
• Performs other related 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.

Requirements

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Applicants should provide a cover letter and resume with three (3) professional references.

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 working as a paralegal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate independently or within a team setting.
• Proficiency in using technology and legal tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite, PDF Editing software, JWEB, DEEDS, and TLO.
• Familiarity of the Texas Family Code, the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct, and Federal statutes related to child welfare laws.
• Knowledge of Texas and federal electronic filing systems such as Texas e-file and federal ECF/Pacer to file and retrieve court documents.
• Ability to use case management software effectively.
• Ability to perform in-person and online e-notary services as a Traditional and Online Notary Public in the State of Texas.
• Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analyses and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to perform multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining an effective balance of priorities and high productivity.
• Ability to comply with the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures and the policies of the County Attorney.
• Ability to comply with the organization’s training requirements.
• Occasional ability to work extended hours when necessary to accommodate caseload demands.

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.

General Information

About the Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO):

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 office also provides legal advice and counsel to County elected officials, appointed officials, departments, and employees.With more than 300 attorneys and staff, the office handles a broad range of public law, including general counsel services, defensive litigation, affirmative and special litigation, employment, environmental enforcement, real estate, property tax, compliance and revenue, child protective services, disability and elder law, hospital district representation, communications and outreach, and the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library. 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 the residents of Harris County through high-quality, ethical, and professional legal work.

About County Attorney Abbie Kamin:Harris County Commissioners Court appointed Abbie Kamin to serve as County Attorney. She took office on June 15, 2026. Kamin is a native Houstonian, attorney, and public servant who has represented District C on Houston City Council since 2020. Prior to her service on City Council, she practiced law with a focus on general civil litigation and civil rights litigation, including work involving voting rights and Title IX matters. She also served as Associate Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League’s Southwest Region and previously worked in Texas Legislature. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law and her B.A., cum laude, from Tulane University. County Attorney Kamin leads the office with a focus on effective legal representation, sound public administration, professionalism, and service to Harris County residents

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position.
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Hours may vary based on the business needs of the HCAO.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This job typically operates in a professional office environment, and the individual in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers, and phones.
• The physical demands associated with this job are minimal, with occasional lifting and moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• The role is predominantly sedentary, involving mainly sitting with occasional standing and walking

Compensation:

• The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.
• In addition, 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.

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.

Benefits

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com