LEGAL ACCESS MONITOR

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking an experienced legal expert to serve as Legal Access Monitor. The position ensures that incarcerated people receive legal access under Agency Department Orders and oversees the legal access program to reduce liability related to lack of access to the courts. It is part of the Legal Support Unit within the Office of General Counsel and also performs assigned legal and litigation support, 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. The role requires a paralegal degree or certificate, a background investigation, and annual tuberculosis testing. Employees must also complete E-Verify. The posted salary is $73,621.00.

Requirements

• Paralegal degree or certificate.
• Pass a background investigation.
• 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.
• Skills in verbal and written communication; establishing workload priorities; computers, associated software, peripheral equipment, and software programs; managing multiple tasks simultaneously; customer service; time management and attention to detail; research and analysis; and critical reading and data analysis.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply state and federal laws; work independently and handle multiple urgent requests; compose correspondence consistent with relevant 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 applicable laws, codes, regulations, and Department policies to redact and release records; maintain confidential information; and develop effective working relationships with the public, department personnel, and outside agencies.
• Employees driving on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete required training, pass required license-record checks, and maintain an acceptable driving record. Employees using a personally owned vehicle on State business must maintain the statutorily required liability insurance.
• Take a tuberculosis test during New Employee Orientation and every year thereafter.
• Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate 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 visits.
• Ensure inmates have direct access to courts for direct appeals, habeas petitions, and other civil or criminal litigation.
• Establish contract terms for contract paralegals according to state and federal requirements for assistance with qualified legal claims.
• Train and supervise contract paralegals, including reviewing and approving invoices for the appropriateness of work and hours.
• Review and redact records for public release in accordance with applicable laws and Department guidelines.
• Receive, track, and respond to public records requests in accordance with 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.
• Develop and maintain legal access through tablets provided to the inmate population.
• Ensure inmates can access legal resource materials required by state and federal law.
• Establish and maintain Agency E-Filing procedures for Arizona District Court and the Court of Appeals, and train staff on those procedures.
• 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).
• 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: Associate degree