Law And Compliance Officer

Position Description

Precinct One's Mission

Precinct One's mission is that we are committed to become a national model for delivering responsive public service utilizing inclusive, innovative, and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity, and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County.

What you will do at Precinct One

The Law and Compliance Officer (the "LCO") is Precinct One's team member with primary responsibility for overseeing, addressing, and serving as primary liaison with the Harris County Attorney's Office ("CAO") on Precinct legal issues and matters involving contracts, other legal agreements, and open records requests. The LCO also collaborates on matters regarding records management, document retention and production, as well as public policy matters as needed. The LCO reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer, but also is responsible on an as-needed basis to the Chief of Staff and the Commissioner.

Responsibilities of the LCO: The responsibilities of the Legal Counsel Officer (LCO) fall into four principal activity areas:

• Contracts and Agreements (35%)

• Assist in developing contracts and agreements to ensure alignment with the Precinct's objectives and compliance with laws.

• Establish and maintain a process for requesting legal assistance within Precinct divisions.

• Collaborate with the County Attorney's Office (CAO) to prepare legally binding documents.

• Facilitate the approval process for contracts requiring Commissioners Court approval.

• Maintain a legal documents library and ensure proper retention of approved contracts and agreements.

• Determine record retention requirements and designate custodians for necessary records.

Precinct-County Attorney's Office Coordination (30%)

• Serve as the liaison between the Precinct and the CAO for legal matters.

• Identify and clarify legal issues within Precinct divisions.

• Craft requests for legal advice and counsel.

• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of legal advice received.

• Support Precinct leadership in responding to legal advice.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of legal counsel and proactively identify emerging legal issues.

Public Information Requests Management (varies, averaging 20%)

• Act as the main contact for all Public Information Requests (PIRs).

• Manage and coordinate responses to PIRs, including document collection and production.

• Keep Precinct leadership informed and advise on appropriate responses.

• Coordinate with the CAO as necessary in responding to PIRs.

• Ensure compliance with laws regarding information production and seek compensation for associated costs.

Compliance Facilitation and Oversight (15%)

• Collaborate with Precinct leadership and relevant departments to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

• Confirm that personnel have necessary information to comply with legal and purchasing procedures.

• Arrange periodic audits of compliance with reporting requirements.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Collaborate on document management and retention.

• Support Precinct One team members on policy-related issues.

• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

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 emailADACoordinator@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

What you will bring to Precinct One

Education:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience in the practice of law or performing law-related work.

Licensure:

• Valid driver's license (Texas upon hire) and a good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated organizational skills; ability to manage and execute multiple priorities; skill at mastering significant amounts of detailed information; history of meeting challenging work deadlines; ability to prioritize among conflicting demands; consistency in timely informing management regarding all relevant law-related matters regarding the Precinct.

• Interpersonal

• Demonstrated ability to communicate unambiguously, efficiently, and effectively across all elements of an organization, both orally and in writing; willingness to deal with sometimes challenging personalities; patience in addressing complex situations and working through to practical, feasible, effective solutions, often under constrained timelines.

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 butONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume"will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Experience:

• Open Records and Public Information Requests

• State or local government

• Public policy

• Government contracts and legal agreements

• Legal research and writing

General Information

Position Type:

• Full-time | Regular

• Monday

• Friday | 8:00 a.m.

• 5:00 p.m.

• From time-to-time work outside normal business hours will be required; to the extent work in any week exceeds forty hours, compensatory time up to specified limits is provided.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This job is performed at a workstation in a professional office environment, as well as at other locations such as community centers, meeting halls, and various public offices. Telework opportunities are provided. This role requires knowledge of and ability to use standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, printers, and copiers.

• The CLO is a standard office role that requires remaining stationary for long periods. At times files or boxes weighing up to fifteen pounds must be transported.

About Harris County

Harris County is the third largest county in the United States with more than 4.7 million residents. There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of the Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county's government.

What you get in return

You will be surrounded by coworkers who bring their best daily. Passionate people who want to make a difference in the communities Precinct One serves and Harris County as a whole.

Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continuous employment. Vacation, sick time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program will enable employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.

How to apply

If this job sounds interesting, you meet the required qualifications and you can see yourself working for Precinct One, we invite you to apply at

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harriscountytx

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.