Open Records Specialist - BCSO

Bexar County PA; United States; On-site; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public Information Act training

Confidential records handling

Cancelable work schedule

Job summary

Bexar County is seeking an Open Records Specialist to respond to public records requests under the Public Information Act, ensuring confidentiality and security of records while handling related duties.

You will work with the Chief Administrative Officer, Public Information Officer, and District Attorney’s Office to process requests in compliance with Texas Government Code 552, review documents for responsiveness and exemptions, and ensure accurate cost handling and records management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years related experience; combination of education and experience may substitute.
• Strong knowledge of the legal system and Public Information Act; grammar, spelling, punctuation.

Responsibilities

• Respond to open records requests under the Public Information Act.
• Collaborate with Chief Administrative Officer, Public Information Officer, and District Attorney’s Office.
• Identify and review responsive documents and determine need for request.
• Review exemptions from cost rules and resolve overcharges for copies of public information.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of public records; support staff attorneys with contract claims.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal communication

Attention to detail

Discretion with confidential info

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Business Administration or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Job Title

Open Records Specialist - BCSO Pay Rate Min to Mid Range $18.34 - $21.55 Time Type Full time

Summary

Under general supervision, is responsible for responding to requests for open records from the public, the media and other agencies while staying within the law of the Public Information Act; handles and maintains the confidentiality and security of public records and performs related duties as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works with the Chief Administrative Officer, Public Information Officer, and District Attorney’s Office in receiving and responding to all requests for records received in accordance with Texas Government Code 552
• Administers cost issues of public information in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, Subchapter F
• Works closely with staff to identify and review all responsive documents to determine need for request
• Reviews and makes determination on governmental bodies’ request for exemption from cost rules
• Investigates and resolves complaints of overcharges for copies of public information
• Maintains knowledge of and compliance with new or modified legislation affecting the Public Information Act
• Performs administrative duties and paraprofessional legal support to staff attorneys for contract claims
• Responsible for all aspects of office’s complex file system; ensures compliance with records management
• Responsible for conversions of office files from hard copies to digital images
• Processes deposits to be recorded in the Business Office
• Maintains a high degree of confidentiality on all sensitive information
• Performs related duties as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Communications, Business Administration or a closely related field, and two (2) years related experience. Combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Working knowledge of the legal system and the Public Information Act; strong knowledge of proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Proficient skill in MSWord and Excel; outstanding oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; attention to detail
• Ability to establish effective relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public; ability to research and gather information; ability to ask questions and embrace new assignments and challenges; ability to meet deadlines and multi-task in a fast pace environment; ability to exercise a high level of discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information
• Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
• Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
• Work hours may include evenings and weekends
• May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek

Benefits and Work Environment

• Bexar County offers employees a competitive salary, retirement, and benefits.
• Many employee benefits are available to an employee’s spouse/plus one qualifying adult and dependent child(ren).
• Employee benefits are strategically designed to support an employee and family, work/life balance.

Employee Benefits | Bexar County, TX - Official Website

Bexar County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to Workplace Diversity.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

With nearly 5,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, Bexar County offers a wide range of opportunities.

Our 18 locations and campuses throughout the county jurisdiction are testament to our expansive reach.

As public servants, Bexar County employees are dedicated to enhancing our community through exceptional service.

At Bexar County, we are committed to fostering a positive work environment that emphasizes reciprocity, professional growth, and a healthy work/life balance.

This mutual commitment is evident in the strong bonds we maintain with our employees, even into their retirement.