Clerk I - Office of the Public Defender

Ingham County, MI • Lansing, MI

375d • $42,469 - $56,715

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Administrator and the Chief Public Defender, manages all aspects of file maintenance within the Office of the Public Defender. Monitors receipt of documents from the courts, the Prosecuting Attorney, police agencies and others to ensure files are up to date. Opens files, records data and facilitates case management clerical information. Communicates with attorneys, clients and various courts regarding the office's cases. Assists individuals in person, via phone and email. Responds to inquiries related to cases of the Office of the Public Defender. Serves as receptionist for the office as needed.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of clerical support experience is required.
• Experience in a legal setting, knowledge of legal terminology and court procedures, and experience with customer management systems is preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of three years of clerk experience in the Office of the Public Defender.
• Demonstrates knowledge of all processes/procedures related to Case Management System, including pulling basic reports.
• Demonstrates ability to perform all clerk tasks successfully.
• Possesses skill set necessary to help in the training/mentoring of other clerks.
• Minimum of five years of clerk experience in the Office of the Public Defender.
• Demonstrates advanced ability in operating Case Management system, including ability to pull advanced reports.
• Possesses ability to take on increasingly complex duties, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, interprets and processes new and amended Requests for Assigned Counsel.
• Creates and maintains case files and computer data files, including entering defendant details, court information and notes pertaining to the processing of such.
• Monitors receipt of documents from the courts, the Prosecuting Attorney, police agencies and others to ensure that files are up to date.
• Audits client files upon request of attorneys, administrator and others.
• Communicates with attorneys, clients and courts for clarification on various case details, as needed.
• Communicates with clients, verbally and in writing, in response to inquiries.
• Responsible for collecting data from clients as needed, and for informing clients of assignment and/or case status.
• Processes incoming and outgoing mail.
• Assists with document preparation.
• Enters information into office's case management system and retrieves information in response to client inquiries.
• Provides input to Administrator, when called upon, concerning support staff processes.
• Scans and files documents to electronic media.
• Closes and reactivates files as directed.
• Responds to correspondence and inquiries to the Office of the Public Defender.
• Possesses functional knowledge of the operations of other county departments, directing callers to the proper office or individual.
• Provides backup coverage for other clerks.
• Staffs reception desk, greeting clients and offering assistance as needed.
• Uses a variety of software programs to provide clerical support including typing, data entry, proofreading, filing, copying, scanning, faxing, processing and distributing mail, and other clerical functions as directed.
• Uses software programs provided by the State of Michigan and other sources to research, process and handle case details.
• Uploads discovery to case management system.
• Assists with training new clerks as directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED