Litigation Deputy Specialist I
Harris County
Houston, TX 77002
$20 an hour
Description
Position Description
Job Summary:
About the Tax Assessor-Collector
The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office is essential for ensuring the proper administration of tax laws and providing vital services to the community. The office plays a key role in local government, handling various financial and administrative tasks, including:
- Assess and collect property taxes for all eligible commercial and residential property owners and entities. Calculate property taxes based on appraised values and ensure collection and distribution to the appropriate entities.
- Manage commercial and residential vehicle registration, issue license plates, and handle vehicle title transfers, including the collection of associated fees.
- Oversee voter registration within the county, issue voter registration certificates, and maintain an accurate voter registration roll.
- Collecting certain fees, fines, and revenues related to permits or state mandates, depending on the county’s needs.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Tax Research & Processing
- Research and prepare certified tax statements for court proceedings.
- Process and research various types of judgment payments.
- Perform tax cancellations within the property tax system.
Payment & Data Management
- Manually enter payments into the property tax system and ensure deposit balances.
- Scan and assign litigated checks into the retention program.
Records & Document Analysis
- Conduct complex research activities, including account identification, proof of payment verification, transfer and correction requests, and historical document analysis.
- Search property records using data from county agencies, such as the Harris County Appraisal District, the Harris County District Clerk, and the Harris County Clerk’s Office.
Customer Service & Communication
- Communicate with internal departments and external law firms as needed.
- Provide customer service support for the litigation department phone line.
- Assist with property tax phone inquiries on overflow days.
Administrative & Operational Support
- Review and sort incoming mail.
- Report system errors, customer service issues, and operational anomalies to management.
- Participate in cross-training with other areas within the Property Tax Division.
- Work overtime on weekdays and weekends during tax season as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution within the U.S.
- One (1) year of paid work experience in a professional office setting and providing customer experience
- One (1) year of PC experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Excellent reading comprehension and verbal/written communication skills are required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Basic computer proficiency and knowledge to include use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Excellent phone etiquette
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent organizational, critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills
- Must be able to work independently and function effectively in a team-oriented environment
- Ability to work special hours upon request
- Communication skills necessary with verbal, written, and interpersonal interactions
- Customer service skills with strong interpersonal ability
- Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks with processing and ability to meet deadlines.
- Must be able to adhere to office confidentiality requirements regarding customer and voter information
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.
Preferences
Education & Experience:
- Basic knowledge of the Property Tax Appraisal and Collection process
General Information
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Typically, an office environment with adequate lighting and ventilation, and a normal range of temperature and noise level
- Minor physical effort required, which may involve long periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, stretching, climbing, lifting up to 30 lbs. or similar activities (e.g.., filing, delivering, sorting)
- May require attendance at outside training seminars and/or conferences.
- Work assignments are diversified. Examples of past precedent are used to resolve work problems. New alternatives may be developed to resolve problems
- A frequent volume of work and deadlines impose strain on a routine basis
- Regular application of basic skills (calculator, keyboard, hand tools, eye/hand coordination)
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Mon-Fri 7:45 am - 4:45 pm
- Some overtime hours are required on weekdays and weekends
- May require attendance at outside trainings, seminars, and/or conferences
Work Location
- 1001 Preston 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.
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave
- Sick Leave
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by department.