CDOC - Legal Assistant I (Sterling)

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position assists adult offenders classified at various security levels, including disabled offenders, with the use of legal materials and the preparation of legal documents. It involves monitoring the daily operations and ensuring the security of assigned facility law libraries to maintain a secure work environment within a penal setting. The role also provides alternative legal access to offenders who cannot physically access a law library, acts as a liaison for offenders and DOC staff, and provides offenders with photocopies of legal materials. Responsibilities include receiving, logging, and delivering photocopied loan materials, logging, preparing loan sheets, and entering statistical information into a computer for monthly reports. The position monitors and manages offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing, provides notary services, and supervises, hires, and terminates offender clerks. It also provides appropriate services to offenders on behavioral management plans, interviews and assists offenders per program policies, and may be responsible for more than one facility law library. All other duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor are also part of this role.

Requirements

• Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution.
• Requires a paralegal certificate to be obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution within 9 months of hiring.
• A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate.
• Proficient legal research skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Efficient and accurate analyzing of data/information skills.
• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility.
• Impeccable organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills.
• Precise attention to details.
• Strong initiative and self motivation.
• Effective critical thinking and decision making.
• Established proficiency in position-related office technologies especially Microsoft Office Suite.
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations.
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift.
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction.
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language.
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609.
• The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph.
• The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application.
• Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics.
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics.
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security.
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury.
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently.
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations.
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner.
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders.
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments.
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings.
• Willing and able to travel.
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule.
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research assistance to offenders and staff to find proper legal authority.
• Analyze DOC staff and offender legal problems to assist in resolving legal problems and identify frivolous issues.
• Monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing.
• Identify, categorize and log, material submitted to be photocopied and deliver to requesting offenders to provide access to the courts.
• Provide legal materials to offenders upon request to provide access to the courts.
• Collect, compile and enter data into computer to facilitate preparation of monthly statistical reports on offender access, photocopy usage, loan of legal materials and hours of operation by supervisor.
• Maintain and log data on supply and equipment use to assure compliance with program policies and assure accurate inventories are maintained.
• Search law libraries for contraband pursuant to state statute and facility regulations to provide a secure working environment for staff and offenders.
• Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.
• Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC Facilities throughout the state.

Benefits

• PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans.
• Short and long term disability coverage.
• Paid life insurance.
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED