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The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking a skilled, well rounded administrative professional to join the Public Information Request (PIR) Team in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) as a Legal Assistant. The PIR team responds to approximately 30,000 public information requests annually, providing sophisticated legal analysis of requests, facilitating the efficient and transparent communication of publicly available information, crafting legal arguments when seeking to withhold confidential information, and preparing briefs to the Office of the Attorney General.About this RoleThe role provides administrative and legal support for the PIR Team primarily by helping enter public information requests into the tracking system and routing these requests for review and response. This role also works cooperatively with internal legal staff, engages with employees at all levels of the Department (including executives and commissioned officers), interacts with external law offices, and the general public.We are seeking a legal assistant with at least two (2) years of experience as a legal assistant or other administrative experience for a position in the classification ranges of Legal Assistant III-IV. Final salary and classification will be based on experience and qualifications.What We OfferThe department offers a collaborative work environment with career advancement opportunities. Benefits include:and#8226; Comprehensive medical insurance with premiums paid at 100% for full-time employees; the state pays 50% of the premium for dependentsand#8226; Flexible work schedules to support work-life balanceand#8226; Hybrid telecommuting for eligible positionsand#8226; Generous paid leave and holidaysand#8226; State retirement pension planand#8226; Comprehensive wellness programThis position combines administrative expertise with legal support functions, offering meaningful professional growth for candidates seeking to expand their skills in a public safety environment.PLEASE NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes do not take the place of this required information.SUBMITTED THROUGH WORK IN TEXAS: Work In Texas (WIT) applicants must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the posting. In order to complete the supplemental questions please go to CAPPS Recruit to register or login and access your profile. Go to CAPPS Recruit to Sign In https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobsearch.ftl?lang=enGENERAL DESCRIPTION: Legal Assistant III (3576/B20) Performs complex (senior-level) legal assistant work in a support role for the attorneys in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Work under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment concerning priorities, methods, and legal procedures to accomplish assigned duties. Employees at this level may: Prepare synopses, abstracts, or summaries of complex legal issues. Prepare attorneys for meeting with complainants, witness, and expert witnesses. Draft and record to correspondence and opinion requests involving legal interpretations and decisions.Legal Assistant IV (3578/B22) Perform highly complex (senior-level) legal assistant work in a support role for the attorneys in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). Work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment concerning priorities, methods, and legal procedures to accomplish assigned duties. Employees at this level may: Conduct statistical, documentary, and investigatory research.The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position.https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Legal.pdfApplicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:1. Maintain tracking system for public information requests received by the agency. Review requests received by email and enter requests into tracking system.2. Evaluate public information requests to determine division assignments and access need for further clarification.3. Act as a liaison between the Office of General Counsel and other DPS divisions with respect to public information requests.4. Communicate with external law offices, state and federal employees and public information requestors.5. Use independent judgment to review, analyze, process and respond to public information requests. Draft correspondence to communicate with requestors and DPS personnel. Assemble briefs and documents for filings with the Open Records Division of the Office of the Attorney General.6. Gather and prepare documents for release by redacting confidential information.7. Perform general office support duties.8. Attend work regularly and observe approved work hours in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies9. Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
Qualifications: GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:Legal Assistant III (3576/B20)Education - Graduation from a High School or equivalent is required. Graduation from a program of paralegal studies or the equivalent college level course work or certificate is preferred.Experience and#8211; Two (2) yearsand#8217; of verifiable experience in legal assistant work.Substitution Note: Equivalent experience in administrative support, office management, related professional roles, or relevant post-secondary education may be substituted for legal assistant experience on a year-for-year basis.Legal Assistant IV (3578/B22)Education - Graduation from a High School or equivalent is required. Graduation from a program of paralegal studies or the equivalent college level course work or certificate is preferred.Experience and#8211; Six (6) yearsand#8217; of verifiable experience in legal assistant work.Substitution Note: Equivalent experience in administrative support, office management, related professional roles, or relevant post-secondary education may be substituted for legal assistant experience on a year-for-year basis.Note: Thirty (30) semester hours is considered equivalent to one (1) year of education.Advancement to higher levels of this position is contingent upon prior work experience, complexity of work performed, successful performance, level of experience gained, and recommendation of the General Counsel.Licensure and/or Certification - Must possess a valid driver license from state of residence.Regulatory knowledge - Working knowledge of, or the ability to rapidly assimilate information related to TXDPS, State, and Federal, regulations, legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures. Considerable knowledge of legal terminology, research methods and techniques, preparation and use of legal documents, administrative and court procedures, law office practices and procedures, and relevant laws.Technology- Microsoft Office Suite, Working knowledge of modern business office practices, including desktop publishing. Ability to conduct Legal Research utilizing Westlaw/Lexis or similar computer-assisted research.Interpersonal Skills - Must exercise excellent interpersonal skills - position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with external and internal customers.Organizational and Prioritization Skills - M
