Paralegal

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Paralegal to join our team. The Paralegal performs advanced paralegal and contract administration work in support of the Office of General Counsel. Work involves assisting attorneys with the drafting, review, negotiation support, and administration of contracts and legal documents; conducting legal and regulatory research; and coordinating procurement and contracting activities in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is a community center and governmental entity established under Chapter 534 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and operates as a public behavioral health authority serving Harris County. The Paralegal supports legal and contracting functions necessary for the delivery of mental health and intellectual and developmental disability services and assists in ensuring compliance with applicable statutes, including Texas procurement laws, grant requirements, and governmental contracting standards.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the General Counsel or Sr. Assistant General Counsel -Contract Services and Real Estate with considerable independence and initiative.

Your role in Action:

Contract Drafting and Administration

• Assist attorneys in drafting, reviewing, revising, and processing contracts, amendments, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), interlocal agreements, leases, service agreements, and other legal instruments.
• Coordinate contract workflow and routing for review, approval, and execution across departments.
• Maintain and administer the organization's contract management system, including tracking contract status, compliance requirements, and renewal deadlines.
• Assist with negotiation preparation by compiling background materials, contract histories, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor contract compliance and maintain contract files in accordance with records retention policies and applicable state regulations.

Public Procurement and Regulatory Compliance

Assist legal counsel and procurement staff with contracting activities in accordance with Texas procurement laws and applicable regulations, including but not limited to:

• Texas Government Code Chapter 2155 - Purchasing methods for state agencies
• Texas Government Code Chapter 2254 - Professional and consulting services contracting
• Texas Government Code Chapter 2269 - Contracting and delivery procedures for construction services (when applicable)
• Texas Government Code Chapter 791 - Interlocal Cooperation Act
• Texas Local Government Code Chapter 271 - Cooperative purchasing programs
• Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 2161. Specific responsibilities include:
  Assisting with preparation and review of procurement-related contracts and agreements.
• Supporting documentation for cooperative purchasing agreements and interlocal agreements.
• Reviewing procurement documents for compliance with statutory requirements and agency policy.
• Assisting with contract provisions related to grant funding, federal pass-through funds, and state appropriations.

Legal Research and Documentation

• Conduct legal research regarding federal and Texas statutes, administrative rules, and regulatory requirements affecting healthcare providers and governmental entities.
• Prepare legal memoranda, summaries, and briefing materials for attorneys and executive leadership.
• Assist in the development and review of organizational policies, procedures, and standard contract templates.
  Monitor changes in applicable laws affecting public sector contracting and healthcare services.

Litigation and Claims Support

• Assist attorneys with litigation support, including organizing case files, maintaining document repositories, and coordinating responses to discovery requests.
• Maintain records associated with claims, disputes, and administrative proceedings.
• Assist with document production and records collection.

Records Management and Administrative Support

• Maintain official legal and contract records in compliance with Texas records retention schedules and organizational policies.
• Coordinate execution of contracts and legal documents, including electronic signature processes.
• Assist with preparation of reports, legal updates, and board materials as requested by legal leadership.
• Serve as a liaison between the Legal Department, procurement staff, and operational departments regarding contract procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, business administration, public administration or related field.
• Paralegal certification from an ABA-approved program is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of paralegal, legal operations, or contract administration experience.
• Preferred experience includes Government or quasi-government entities, Healthcare organizations, Public procurement or grant-funded programs and Contract management systems

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of contract law, legal terminology, and contract administration practices.
• Knowledge of Texas public procurement and contracting statutes preferred.
• Ability to review and analyze complex contracts and legal documents.
• Strong legal research and technical writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and contract management software.

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #1086

About us:

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.