The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Solicitor/Collections. This position is responsible for assisting in the review, processing, and investigation of commercial and residential utility accounts, including managing the City’s lien portfolio. The Assistant City Solicitor/Collections will be responsible to appear before magisterial and local courts, as well as process filings in bankruptcy courts to secure debts owed the City. The attorney will perform legislative review, drafting and updates of the City’s sanitation ordinances and rules. Other collection work for the City related to loans, liens, and other receivables will be required. Employees in this class must exercise considerable independent judgment in preparation of cases, legal research, and project management. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and highly organized. An Assistant City Solicitor works under the general supervision of the City Solicitor and the Senior Deputy City Solicitor. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position. Qualifications include having graduated from a recognized and ABA-accredited law school and a current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, one (1) year of relevant legal experience as a practicing attorney is essential. Knowledge of federal and state rules of procedure and evidence is a plus. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C, or equivalent is also required. Willing to train the right candidate with one (1) year of practice experience in any area of law.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The City of Harrisburg offers a competitive annual salary range of $95,000 to $103,000 (commensurate with experience and qualifications). This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).
Position will remain open until filled. If interested, please submit a cover letter, your resume, three employment references and salary history to:
City of Harrisburg, Bureau of Human Resources
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center
10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 255-6475
Email: [email protected] (electronic submission preferred)
The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Wanda R. D. Williams, Mayor
M-18
JOB TITLE:
ASSISTANT CITY SOLICITOR/COLLECTIONS
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – OFFICE OF THE CITY SOLICITOR
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
This position is responsible for assisting in the review, processing, and investigation of commercial and residential utility accounts, including managing the City’s lien portfolio. The Assistant City Solicitor/Collections will be responsible to appear before magisterial and local courts, as well as process filings in bankruptcy courts to secure debts owed the City. The attorney will perform legislative review, drafting and updates of the City’s sanitation ordinances and rules. Other collection work for the City related to loans, liens, and other receivables will be required. Employees in this class must exercise considerable independent judgment in preparation of cases, legal research, and project management. The successful candidate must be self-motivated and highly organized. An Assistant City Solicitor works under the general supervision of the City Solicitor and the Senior Deputy City Solicitor. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.
JOB LOCATION:
Work is performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center, Law Bureau, Suite 402, 10 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA. and in other City facilities as necessary. Work involves the use of various machines such as a personal computer, scanner and printer, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, and other technological and research devices. Duties are typically performed weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, some evenings and weekends will be required. In addition, some work involves visits to various City sites and exposure to whatever risks are present at those sites. Employees are also expected to attend meetings and conferences throughout the City, County, Commonwealth, and United States. Employees are also required to travel to the various District Justice offices and other courthouses, wherever situated.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Independently handles civil and criminal caseloads including, including but not limited to the preparation of pleadings, settlements, plea negotiations, and appearances for hearings or argument. Prosecute suits brought by the City for or on account of any rights, privileges, claims or demands, including prosecution related to City Code violations in State and Federal Court, pursuing judgments, fines, costs, penalties, and other relief. Defends actions or suits against the City, its departments, or City officials in their official capacity where any acts of the City or any department involving financial disputes may be brought into question. Works with outside counsel and other governmental bodies as necessary. Prepares and administers bankruptcy claims filed on behalf of the City, including objections and preparation of cases for trial or hearing. Prepares and reviews a wide variety of legal documents including, but not limited to, contracts, leases, conveyances, assurances, releases, service agreements, grant applications, by-laws, and various state and federal forms where the City or any City department has an interest therein. Assists in the negotiation of settlement agreements or other legal instruments. Performs extensive document and record reviews. Prepares necessary Resolutions and Ordinances for the City at the direction of any department, the Mayor and/or City Council or on their own initiative to modernize or assist the efficient collection of funds. Reviews, drafts, and integrates departmental regulations related to the collection of funds. Performs attendant legal research as needed in performing any of the above-referenced functions. May perform portions of the work of higher or lower classified positions occasionally, as assigned. May perform duties of similar complexity in any City department as required or assigned. Maintains regular, punctual and predictable attendance. Reports to work and remains at work in a productive condition, which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and the general public. Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent, and timely manner.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
None.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to quickly secure a working knowledge of the Third Class City Code, the Optional Third Class City Charter Law, the City Code, and other general and specialized laws;
- Proficient in legal and non-legal research, through both electronic and traditional mediums;
- Knowledge of federal bankruptcy law;
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania Administrative Agency Law;
- Exceptional legal research skills and legal writing skills; knowledge of Lexis a plus;
- Skill in securing information and facilitating final resolutions of disputed accounts;
- Ability to organize, interpret, and apply legal principals and specialized knowledge to particular circumstances;
- Ability to participate in the preparation and trial of difficult and important cases, and to present material clearly and logically in oral and written form;
- Ability to meet and deal effectively with persons interested or involved in lawsuits;
- Ability to read and understand complex legal documents, regulations and trial documents and, as necessary, interpret such documents for others as they apply to various situations;
- Ability to perform and to report findings;
- Ability to maintain professional legal knowledge through reading and continuing education;
- Strong communication skills, including but not limited to, the ability to listen, negotiate, problem-solve, and advise diverse audiences, including the Mayor, City Council, department heads, other City officials, or members of the public;
- Employees are expected to be able to use all standard office machines/software, with or without reasonable accommodation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from a recognized and ABA-accredited law school and current license to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are required. In addition, one (1) year of relevant legal experience as a practicing attorney is essential. Knowledge of federal and state rules of procedure and evidence is a plus. A valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C, or equivalent is also required. Willing to train the right candidate with one (1) year of practice experience in any area of law.