Public Information Act Specialist

Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:

Under the supervision of the Associate Director of Administrative Services, the Public Information Act Specialist is responsible for processing open records requests per the Texas Public Information Act on behalf of Harris County Public Health. The position works independently in a highly organized manner in collaboration with executive leadership and liaises with other County departments.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Provides response to requests for governmental records within the time period mandated by the Texas Public Information Act and other state statutes.
Coordinates the gathering of the requested information within all divisions of the Department and disseminates responses to the requesters.
Receives and reviews all requests for information and makes initial determination as to which requests require an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General, coordinating these requests with the County Attorney's Office.
Redacts or reviews redaction in confidential records before releasing documents to the public.
Calculates/assesses charges for Open Records in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Develops and maintains records request tracking.
Responsible for cross-training backup staff in all records request processes and systems.
Maintains and updates HCPH's Public Information Policies and Procedures in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Serves as point of contact with Office/Division liaisons and conducts training on open records processes.
Composes, edits and types correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other documents using various word and data processing software requiring knowledge of rules of grammar and practices of document preparation.

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

[email protected] .

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:

Associates Degree in Business Administration or related field.
Experience:

At least three (3) years advanced public information (open records) experience.
At least one (1) year of which is in an administrative, customer service or secretarial role; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Excellent communication skills (verbal & written)
Extensive knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act.
Knowledge of FOIA, HIPAA, and other applicable government codes.
Excellent reasoning and judgment skills.
Knowledge of business administration and advanced secretarial practices and procedures.
Knowledge of customer service practices and procedures.
Core Competencies:

Organizational Leadership

Understands the organizational mission
Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others

Collaboration

Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs

Innovation

Ability to adapt to change

Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics

Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner
Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
Uses sound judgment
Self-motivated
Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity

Communication

Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

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

.

Preference given to individuals with a paralegal certification.
Preference given to individuals with experience processing Texas Public Information or FOIA requests.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position.
Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Other days and hours as necessary.
Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment.
This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.
Work Location:

Harris County Public Health: Office of the Executive Director - 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002

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.
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