Description
JOB OPPORTUNITY
We are looking for a detail-oriented critical thinker with
strong organizational skills to join our growing team!
Resumes will be accepted through May 25th (5 PM)
JOB TITLE: PARALEGAL
CLASSIFICATION: NON-EXEMPT
GRADE: 3 (starting pay $25.39/hr.)
DEPARTMENT: COMPLIANCE
REPORTS TO: LEGAL MANAGER
LOCATION: BRECKSVILLE (HYBRID)
About RITA: Our Mission at RITA is to provide Ohio cities and villages with a high quality, cost effective municipal tax collection service. We currently serve nearly 400 cities and villages across the State of Ohio, collecting and distributing more than $2.5B of municipal income tax revenue annually, at an average cost in 2025 of just over one cent of every dollar collected. These income tax dollars are crucial to the provision of the public safety, infrastructure and recreational services that make these cities and villages great places to live, work and do business. At RITA, we work hard to fulfill our Mission to the Ohio cities and villages we serve and strive to be the best and top choice for municipal tax collection in Ohio.
RITA Benefits: RITA is an OPERS employer that offers low monthly premiums for health benefits for employees, spouses and dependents with no monthly cost for dental and vision coverage. The Agency makes bi-annual contributions to employees’ Health Savings Accounts. Additional benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, including for mental health and for time to volunteer, along with 3 personal days provided on the anniversary of the employee’s hire date. The initial 3 personal days are provided upon successful completion of the 180-day Introductory Period and then again at the second anniversary and each anniversary thereafter. Employees also have access to an employee assistance program, which offers many services including digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (dCBT), benefits and claims advocacy services, and assistance with other matters, such as childcare, mental health and legal assistance.
Work Environment: Enjoy the flexibility of a blended work schedule – a mix of in-office and work-from-home days – at RITA's Brecksville office. The Agency values flexibility that works both ways. Where possible, we seek to work with our employees to meet their needs while still providing excellent service and fulfilling our Mission. Our dress when in the office is professionally casual – jeans are welcome. We thrive on collaborative work, and we are best as a team with each person doing their part. There is plenty of opportunity for job growth within the Agency; Career growth and development is encouraged and supported.
About the Role: The purpose of this position is to initiate and monitor Agency litigation filed on delinquent tax accounts, in accordance with local income tax ordinances and local court rules. Paralegals prepare and amend municipal income tax returns. Paralegals are entrusted with the authority to negotiate settlement and payment terms for legal accounts. Paralegals accept and process taxpayer payments.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Many of the below listed essential functions require regular and frequent travel. Reliable transportation is required.
Files small claims complaints and prepares civil complaints and legal documentation for attorneys to initiate civil litigation for the collection of unpaid municipal income tax. Litigation may involve individual or business accounts. Prepares legal documents for each stage of litigation including, but not limited to, pleadings, default judgments, affidavits, agreed and consent judgment entries, dismissals, satisfactions and miscellaneous motions.
Prepares all small claims cases for hearing, including account activity review, payment history and court entry preparation. Attends all small claims hearings as a representative of the Agency and its member-municipalities. Updates account dockets with hearing results and follow ups.
Keeps and maintains hearing calendars and case files.
Answers questions from a taxpayer on the completion of tax returns, provides information regarding tax filing, payment requirements, and the consequences associated with tax delinquency. Answers questions regarding subpoenas, payment plans, delinquency notices, billing statements and the completion of tax forms.
Files or amends municipal income tax returns and calculates appropriate penalty and interest.
Negotiates payment terms and settlements on legal accounts. Has regular contact with court personnel, municipal officials, taxpayers, tax preparers and attorneys.
Answers multiple phone calls daily from courts, taxpayers, tax preparers and attorneys.
Identifies and refers accounts to outside legal firms for post-judgment collections. Monitors payments received from outside collection firm.
Utilizes Accurint, State of Ohio and County Auditor websites to research and determine domicile and verify address location for taxing purposes.
Performs other miscellaneous legal work as assigned, including monitoring of bankruptcy accounts, filing bankruptcy proof of claims, filing probate claims, preparing responses to foreclosure suits, and notarizing legal documents as directed by legal counsel.
Utilizes a variety of standard office equipment, computer programs and computer systems in the completion of essential functions including but not limited to telephone, facsimile, photocopier, calculator, and personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet and/or database software, electronic mail system, and RITA tax system. Utilizes Accurint, Pacer, and court websites to obtain information.
Performs related work as directed.
This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Agency reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.
Physical Requirements: The individual assigned to this position must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation, which include, but are not limited to the following:
The ability to transport up to 25 pounds in order to bring files and a laptop to and from court.
Tasks involve extended periods of time in a stationary position.
The ability to move around the office to access files and office machinery.
The ability to accurately communicate with taxpayers, attorneys, court personnel, member-municipalities and tax preparers.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
About You: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree with course work emphasis in paralegal studies or closely related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years previous experience and/or training involving tax laws/systems; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Active Notary Public commission in the State of Ohio, or the ability to obtain commission within 30 days of hire. Ideal candidates will possess good math aptitude, analytical ability and excellent communication skills.
Federal Tax Information access requires completion of a background check, fingerprinting and annual security training.
How to Apply: Please submit your resume to RITAJobs@ritaohio.com no later than 5 PM on
May 25th. Only qualified individuals being considered will be contacted for an interview.
The Regional Income Tax Agency (Agency) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel decisions are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will seek to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Agency.
Requirements
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree with course work emphasis in paralegal studies or closely related field, supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years previous experience and/or training involving tax laws/systems; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Active Notary Public commission in the State of Ohio, or the ability to obtain commission within 30 days of hire. Ideal candidates will possess good math aptitude, analytical ability and excellent communication skills.
