Legal Access Monitor

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry is seeking an experienced legal expert to serve as Legal Access Monitor in the Legal Support Unit within the Office of General Counsel. The position ensures that the inmate population receives legal access in accordance with Agency Department Orders and oversees the legal access program to reduce liability related to lack of access to the courts. The role also performs legal and litigation support responsibilities, including responding to complex discovery requests, public records requests, subpoenas, and other court orders.

The position is based at the Office of the General Counsel, 701 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona. It requires driving on State business. Employment is contingent on successfully passing a background investigation. The position requires a paralegal degree or certificate. Employees must take a tuberculosis test during New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter, and newly hired State employees must successfully complete E-Verify. Employees who drive on State business must hold and maintain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license, complete required training and record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees using a personally owned vehicle on State business must maintain the required liability insurance.

Requirements

• Paralegal degree or certificate.
• Five years of experience performing administrative work in a criminal justice or law office environment.
• Knowledge of court proceedings and the litigation process.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing ADCRR operations.
• Knowledge of the organization and operation of the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
• Knowledge of management techniques and organizational processes.
• Skill in verbal and written communication, establishing workload priorities, using computers and associated software and peripheral equipment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, customer service, time management, research and analysis, and critical reading and data analysis.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply state and federal laws; work independently; manage multiple urgent requests; compose correspondence in accordance with policies and procedures; plan, analyze, and coordinate activities; meet short-notice deadlines in a fast-paced, pressured environment; exercise judgment and confidentiality; interpret policies and procedures for the public and criminal justice agencies; critically analyze and redact department records; apply laws, codes, regulations, and Department policies to record redaction and release; maintain confidential information; and develop effective working relationships with the public, Department personnel, and outside agencies.
• Pass a background investigation.
• For driving on State business, possess and retain a current, valid, class-appropriate driver's license, complete required training and license record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Maintain statutorily required liability insurance when operating a personally owned vehicle on State business.
• Take a tuberculosis test during New Employee Orientation and annually thereafter.
• Successfully complete E-Verify.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Arizona Attorney General's Office, ADCRR Office of General Counsel, and private attorneys to ensure appropriate legal access for inmates, including legal mail and legal visits.
• Ensure inmates have direct access to the courts for appeals from their convictions, habeas petitions, and other civil or criminal litigation.
• Establish contract terms for contract paralegals based on state and federal requirements for assistance to inmates on qualified legal claims.
• Train and supervise contract paralegals, including reviewing and approving invoices for the appropriateness of work performed and hours worked.
• Review and redact records for public release in accordance with applicable laws and Department guidelines.
• Receive, track, and respond to public records requests under federal and state laws and Department policies and procedures.
• Assist with discovery and other legal requests from the Office of the General Counsel as assigned.
• Consult with Agency librarians who assist inmates in Legal Resource Centers.
• Train and consult with Complex mail and property staff to ensure proper procedures for receiving and delivering legal mail and legal property are implemented and followed.
• Develop and maintain legal access through tablets provided to inmates.
• Ensure legally required legal resource materials are accessible to inmates.
• Establish, maintain, and train staff on Agency procedures for E-Filing with Arizona District Court and the Court of Appeals.
• Drive on State business.
• Perform other duties appropriate to the assignment.

Benefits

• Vacation and sick days, with 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child (pilot program).
• Affordable medical, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance options.
• Retirement program through the Arizona State Retirement System; enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• Optional deferred compensation plans and credit union membership.
• Wellness program.
• Incentivized commuter club and public transportation subsidy program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed