Legal Staff Paralegal in Gainesville, TX

Government

Gainesville, TX

Legal Staff Paralegal in Gainesville, TX

Legal Staff

No

Job Title: Investigator II - Hearing Specialist

Job Responsibilities:
The primary responsibility of the Investigator II - Hearing Specialist is to conduct investigative work and serve in roles akin to a “judge and prosecutor” during youths’ due process hearings. Key duties include:

- Investigating alleged incidents by interviewing witnesses, reviewing video, reading witness statements, and collecting other evidence.
- Serving as the decision-maker by evaluating evidence and making determinations about allegations.
- Planning, organizing, and conducting routine investigations to gather and present evidence during Level I and Level II Hearings.
- Providing required notices within specified timeframes to the youth, their advocate, and parents/guardians.
- Presenting evidence at hearings, questioning witnesses, and explaining the evidence and hearing process.
- Acting as an impartial fact-finder during hearings, reviewing evidence such as testimony, written statements, video, and photographs.
- Determining if the evidence proves, based on a preponderance of evidence, that the youth committed the alleged rule violation.
- Appointing the youth’s advocate if necessary and coordinating the hearing process with all parties.
- Consulting with staff attorneys to resolve problems, identify training needs, and discuss the effectiveness of hearings and imposed consequences.
- Educating youth on due process hearings and providing staff training on the duties and conduct of these hearings.
- Monitoring outcomes for racial, ethnic, and gender disparities and taking action to address identified disparities.

Education and Experience Information:
Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree with major course work in criminal justice, social work, behavioral science, education, business, public administration, or a related field, along with two years of full-time wage-earning experience in roles such as investigator, case manager, social worker, human services specialist, parole officer, paralegal, legal assistant, or probation officer. Experience in assessing misconduct of youth in the juvenile justice system and dispute resolution is also acceptable.

OR

- High School diploma or equivalent with six years of full-time wage-earning experience in the roles mentioned above.

Preferred Experience:

- Experience working with youth committed to a state-operated facility.

Experience and Education Substitutions:

- One year of appropriate experience may be substituted for one year of college (30 course hours) on a year-for-year basis.
- Completed course hours of undergraduate study may be substituted for up to four years of experience.
- Completed course hours of graduate study may be substituted for up to two years of experience.
- Completed certification as a paralegal may be substituted for three years of experience.
- Completed certification as a legal assistant may be substituted for two years of experience.

Salary Information:
- The position offers a monthly salary of $4,.

Additional Information:
- The role requires working under moderate supervision with limited latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
- Physical demands include the ability to analyze, communicate effectively, see, hear, and engage in activities such as heavy lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.
- Knowledge of Texas juvenile justice system, investigative principles, and the ability to use computers and software is essential.
- Veterans are encouraged to apply, with preference given for military experience and the provision of required documentation.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
- The organization is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.