County Attorney - Public Information Coordinator

OBJECTIVE: Process and respond to open record requests according to Chapter 552 of the Local Government Code.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: County Attorney

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Coordinates and implements the Open Records Act as provided in section 552.221 of the Local Government Code, and works with the County Attorney with regard to public information and exceptions. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES (to include but not limited to):

• Respond to open records requests received from the public in the allotted time allowed by law;
• Clarify requests as necessary and coordinate with county departments to respond;
• Communicate with the Office of the Attorney General and submit documents at their request as well as submit necessary documents to them as directed by the County Attorney;
• Organize, maintain, and retain files containing confidential data;
• Calculate and Send Cost Estimates per the Texas Public Information Act; 
• Compose next of kin letters as required by the Texas Public Information Act or other laws;
• Create and maintain spreadsheets for accounts receivable and data information for open records requests and responses; 
• Gather and submit documentation to the Office of the Attorney General via its submission portal; 
• Redact information required to be redacted by law;
• Provide customer service to the public serving the county as liaison with the general public, the Attorney General’s office, and various county department records requests; 
• Draft other legal documents as required by the County Attorney;
• Facilitate responses based off of Office of the Attorney General rulings;
• Must be able to work individually and be self-motivated as a team;
• Maintain and Timely respond to emails in the Public Information Hub, email, and resources;
• Regular and timely attendance required;
• Perform any and all other duties that may be assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Communication skills, both verbal and written, with proper use of English grammar;
• General office equipment skills and computer knowledge;
• Advanced reading skills; 
• Ability to comprehend legal documents;
• Ability to interact with the public in stressful situations;
• Office and computer skills, including knowledge of software.

Preferred Skills

The ideal candidate will be an inquisitive self-starter and problem-solver who is eager to grow and take on new responsibilities with the following skills: 

• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities 
• Ability to multitask with a high-volume workload 
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Passion for public service with a commitment to excellent customer service

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to frequently lift 10-25 lbs and occasionally lift 25-50 lbs;
• Constant use of computer, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment;
• Frequent sitting, twisting, and occasional bending, carrying, and standing;
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. 

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• High School graduate or GED equivalent;
• Valid Texas Driver's License;
• Completion of Public Information Act, Chapter 552, Local Government Code Training;
• Completion of Open Meetings Act Training.

SALARY, HOURS, AND BENEFITS:

• $28.77
• M-F 8:00am-5:00pm: Additional time may be required as needed to comply with statutory deadlines
• MEDICAL AND DENTAL, RETIREMENT, VACATION, AND SICK LEAVE

Please apply at the Ector County Annex Building, 1010 East Eighth St., Human Resources Room 126, Odessa, Texas. Ector County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. 

NOTICE: Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Passing a pre-employment urinalysis drug screen is required.