Deputy Director - Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

Title: Deputy Director - Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location 

Houston, TX

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

15186

Department

County Attorney's Office

Job Description:

The Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library, a division of the Harris County Attorney’s Office, is seeking a Deputy Director to assist the Director with the Law Library’s overall administration and management. The Law Library serves the litigants, attorneys, judges, and government agencies of Harris County, Texas, the third-most populous county in the United States. The Deputy Director reports to the Director and works as part of a management team to ensure continuity of library operations and projects. 

The Deputy Director supervises the Associate and Assistant Law Librarians to ensure effective delivery of law library services. The Deputy Director works with the Director to recommend policies and procedures and provides advice on matters relating to the overall operation of the Law Library. The Deputy Director works with minimal supervision with significant latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative. The Deputy Director also provides reference and research assistance as needed, assists with management of personnel in library operations as needed, acts as liaison to key stakeholders, participates in outreach and education initiatives, and performs such other duties and functions as may be assigned from time to time by the Director. Although not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, the Law Library Deputy Director performs all of the following tasks:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises Associate and Assistant Law Librarians
• Assists the Director in managing the overall operation of the Law Library’s headquarters and virtual services.
• Assists with strategic planning, disaster planning, and process improvement.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the annual budget.
• Contributes to collection development and legal technology acquisition strategies.
• Assists in the management of the day-to-day operations of the Law Library.
• Consults with the Director on library policies and procedures.
• Provides reference and research assistance as needed.
• Assists patrons with access to various electronic legal databases, print materials, and community resources.
• Creates research guides and other helpful guidelines for patrons and the Law Library staff.
• Handles designated library administrative functions in the Law Library Director’s absence.
• Acts as liaison to community groups and key stakeholders, which includes public speaking engagements, committee service, reporting, and outreach.
• Teaches legal research skills in CLE and one-on-one settings.
• Drafts articles and newsletter items for internal County Attorney newsletter and external community publications.
• Develops and facilitates relationships between relevant stakeholders, including government officials, other law libraries, and local bar associations.
• Enforces Law Library rules and documents rules violations as needed.
• Publicizes and promotes the Law Library.
• Develops a professional development plan that encompasses at least 20 hours per year of professional development course work or other learning opportunities.
• Develops and oversees training programs for the public, including lawyers and non-lawyers.
• Oversees the development and usability of the Law Library’s website and social media presence.
• Performs other functions and job-related duties as required.

Other Duties:

• This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Requirements

Supporting Job Application Documents:

• Applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references with their application.

Education and Experience:

• Applicants must have an MLS, MLIS, or equivalent master's degree from an ALA accredited institution. 
• Applicants must have worked three (3) or more years in a managerial or supervisory capacity in a Law Library setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Must demonstrate strong customer service orientation.
• Must have the ability to manage a growing team of law librarians in a dynamic public service setting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required.
• Excellent legal research and reference skills, with demonstrated expertise in both print and electronic resources required.
• Strong people skills in interacting both with patrons and staff are essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are required.

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

• A JD from an ABA accredited institution and license to practice law in Texas is desired.
• Bilingual abilities, particularly English/Spanish, are desired.
• Knowledge of and experience with self-help legal research resources and Texas legal research materials are desired.

General Information

Located in downtown Houston, the Harris County Attorney’s Office represents Harris County government, the Harris County Flood Control District, the Harris County Toll Road Authority, and the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network in all civil matters, including lawsuits. The office also provides legal advice to county officials and employees.

Position Type and Typical Work Schedule: 

• This is a full-time position. 

• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, with occasional additional hours as necessary.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• This role is typically performed in person at our Law Library on Congress; this role also performs work throughout Harris County as needed for our special program, education, and outreach initiatives. Remote work opportunity is limited. This job typically operates in a public Law Library environment, and the person in this role uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners/copiers and phones.

• Some duties require bending and standing for periods at a time and may require the ability to lift at least 20 pounds.

Compensation: 

• The base compensation for this position will be determined on the candidate’s qualifications and the pay of other employees in the job function. Total compensation includes attractive paid leave programs, health benefits, and retirement plans.

• In addition, the position is eligible for the accrual of compensatory time off for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, consistent with Harris County personnel policies and procedures.