Job Description

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

Responsible for coordinating information and assisting employees and attorneys with various legal matters to ensure that Parkland operates in an efficient, timely and effective manner to internal and external customers.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Must have a bachelor’s degree; or must have completed an approved Legal Assistant or Paralegal Studies Program.

Experience

• Must have two years of paralegal experience.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for the experience requirements.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Must be highly organized, detail oriented and proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel software, and Legal Research Databases.
• Must have effective verbal and written communication skills with a diverse population of employees, outside counsel and other medical/ legal professionals.
• Must demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality of many sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

1. Responsible for coordinating case information and assisting attorney in case preparation. Under attorney supervision, initiates responses to requests for documents and information from opposing attorneys, outside counsel, and other entities and individuals. Initiates contact with involved departments, coordinates correspondence, research, and discovery responses to ensure that Parkland responds in an efficient, timely and effective manner to internal and external customers.
2. Follows up with the involved department to ensure that requests are answered appropriately. Answers inquiries, assists department employees as needed, research issues, medical records, and documents for requesting attorneys to ensure overall timely case progression while providing optimal service to internal and external customers.
3. Under attorney supervision, develops supplemental data, initiates objections to requests, drafts, pre-trial pleadings, discovery, affidavits, memoranda, and letters as needed to advance cases appropriately.
4. Provides support for litigation and administrative agency proceedings, including collection, preparation, and production of documents. Coordinates witnesses and ensures witnesses and parties are available for legal and administrative proceedings.
5. Maintains records of all legal filings and correspondence to ensure optimal case organization.
6. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable deadlines and reporting requirements, laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.
7. Maintains positive working relationship with management, other hospitals and opposing attorneys, outside counsel, current and former employees, medical staff, and other entities to ensure optimal cooperation and effective communication among all Parkland customers.
8. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the paralegal field by attending seminars/workshops and reading professional journals. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
9. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the Legal Affairs department and Parkland.
10. Assists Parkland attorneys with legal matters as assigned.

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.