Bilingual Receptionist

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Public Defender’s Office seeks a bilingual Receptionist to serve as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, attorneys, and court personnel in Houston. The role emphasizes exceptional customer service, front desk operations, and effective communication in English and Spanish within a diverse environment.

The ideal candidate will be professional, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive legal information.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English and Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with high accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Customer service oriented with excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Answer and manage a multi-line telephone system and direct calls promptly and accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged legal information, sensitive client records, and office operations.
• Ensure reception and common office areas remain organized, professional, and presentable.
• Maintain visitor logs, coordinate badge access, and follow office security procedures.
• Monitor office equipment and coordinate maintenance or repair requests when needed.
• Greet clients, visitors, and vendors in a professional, courteous, and welcoming manner.
• Order, organize, and maintain office supplies and coordinate inventory needs.
• Perform a daily inter-office pickup and deliveries to various county departments in Downtown complex.
• Report to work on time and present themselves in a professional manner and appearance at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with clients, including individuals involved in sensitive criminal defense matters.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and deliveries.
• Communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, court personnel, incarcerated clients, family members, and members of the public in both English and Spanish.

Skills

Bilingual EN/ES

Communication skills

MS Office

Customer service

Time management

Discretion with confidential info

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Harris County Public Defender’s Office

The Harris County Public Defender's Office is committed to providing high-quality, client-centered representation to individuals accused of criminal offenses who cannot afford counsel. Our office works collaboratively across legal and support teams to advocate for our clients, protect constitutional rights, and promote fairness within the legal system. We value professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and compassionate public service.

Position Description

The Bilingual Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, attorneys, court personnel, and community partners. This position is responsible for providing exceptional customer service, managing front desk operations, and ensuring efficient communication within the office. The ideal candidate is professional, organized, customer-focused, and able to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish while interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including justice-involved populations and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Answer and manage a multi-line telephone system and direct calls promptly and accurately.

• Maintain confidentiality of privileged legal information, sensitive client records, and office operations.

• Ensure reception and common office areas remain organized, professional, and presentable.

• Maintain visitor logs, coordinate badge access, and follow office security procedures.

• Monitor office equipment and coordinate maintenance or repair requests when needed.

• Greet clients, visitors, and vendors in a professional, courteous, and welcoming manner.

• Order, organize, and maintain office supplies and coordinate inventory needs.

• Perform a daily inter-office pickup and deliveries to various county departments in Downtown complex.

• Report to work on time and present themselves in a professional manner and appearance at all times.

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with clients, including individuals involved in sensitive criminal defense matters.

• Manage incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and deliveries.

• Communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, court personnel, incarcerated clients, family members, and members of the public in both English and Spanish.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail].

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 and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent from an accredited educational institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual English and Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, high level of accuracy, effective organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Must be customer service oriented and possess excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Presents a positive demeanor, works well with the public and other staff.
• Ability to manage multiple calls, inquiries from courts, lawyers, clients (including those detained in jails and prisons), and clients' families.

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.

• Associate degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of receptionist, administrative, or office support experience preferred.
• Familiarity with legal terminology or criminal justice environment.
• Experience working in a law office, government agency, court setting, or professional services environment.
• Experience supporting attorneys or legal support teams.
• Ability to manage difficult or emotionally sensitive client interactions with professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• Regular Full-time
• Monday - Friday | 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• This position operates in a professional legal office environment supporting attorneys and staff dedicated to criminal defense representation.
• The role requires frequent interaction with clients, legal professionals, court personnel, incarcerated clients, and internal administrative teams.
• This position may involve managing high call volumes, interacting with individuals experiencing stress or crisis, and handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Employees must maintain professionalism, discretion, and a client-centered approach in all interactions.

Salary

• Starting: $54,500.00 Annually
• Depends on Qualifications
• Based on 26 pay periods

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.