Posting number: 17125
Department: Public Defender's Office
Job classification: Paralegal
Posting type: Open
Categories: Legal, Attorney
Responsible for handling all aspects of their assigned cases including but not limited to:
About the H arris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO):
The Harris County Public Defender's Office (HCPDO) is one of the largest public defender offices in the nation, employing more than 350 professionals, including over 200 attorneys. Our office provides client-centered, holistic representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses in Harris County through interdisciplinary teams that include attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, psychologists, client advocates, paralegals, and administrative professionals. HCPDO is committed to providing high-quality legal representation and advancing excellence in indigent defense through client-centered representation and interdisciplinary advocacy.
The Immigration Division supports defense counsel in identifying and addressing potential immigration consequences related to a client's criminal case. The Paralegal supports this work by coordinating immigration referrals, gathering immigration histories from clients and their families, accessing relevant records and immigration systems, and assisting the Division with case-related and administrative needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsible for handling all aspects of assigned duties, including but not limited to:
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.
Education and Experience:
An Associates degree or higher in Paralegal Studies from an accredited college or university and
Relevant experience.
OR
Paralegal Certificate and
Relevant experience.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in legal support services/legal studies from an accredited college or university and
Relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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.
Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred.
Experience supporting attorneys in the area of removal defense.
Experience and knowledge of immigration law/removal defense.
Knowledge of immigration-related agencies and use of portals such as EOIR, USCIS, and the ICE detainee locator.
Self-starter able to work independently without supervision.
Proactively seeks additional duties and responsibilities.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Regular Full-time
Monday Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Salary:
Depends on Qualifications
Based on 26 pay periods
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.
Harris County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas within the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area. As of 2000 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 3,400,578 (though a 2007 estimate placed the population at 4,011,475), making it the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Its county seat is Houston.
