Public Defender'S Office - Legal Secretary, Intermediate (Part-Time)

County of El Paso•Tx 79901, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Secretary, Intermediate, under general supervision, provides clerical support to assigned attorneys. This designation is distinguished from the Legal Secretary classification by greater work complexity and broader work activities. The Public Defender's Office is seeking a part-time Legal Secretary to assist attorneys in various legal tasks and administrative duties.

Requirements

Associates Certificate in Business or related field with two (2) years of law office/secretarial with six (6) months working customer service experience; Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of principles and practices of modern office administration.
Knowledge of the court system.
Knowledge of legal terminology.
Knowledge of relevant laws, rules and codes.
Knowledge of Texas penal code, Code of Criminal Procedures; Texas Laws.
Knowledge of research principles and practices.
Knowledge of effective customer service principles and practices.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Knowledge of techniques for effective interpersonal communications.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.
Ability to maintain confidential records and reports.
Ability to explain court action.
Ability to keep composure in order to assist high conflict customers.
Ability to plan and execute work both independently and as a team member.
Ability to manage time effectively.
Ability to operate personal computer using standard office operating software and general office equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to maintain filing systems.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to be dependable.
Ability to deal with the public courteously and effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
Type 45 wpm.
Pass a background investigation.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment.
Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner.
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times.
Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred.
May be required to have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.
In order to access the County’s network and systems, a personal mobile smart device is required by the hire start date.

Responsibilities

Assists attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
Provides broad administrative and office support to assigned department.
Screens visitors and telephone calls; responds to complaints and information requests on a wide array of topics.
Conducts preliminary interviews of prospective clients.
Types and proofreads a wide variety of reports, letters, memos, tables and charts; composes correspondence for review and signature by management staff.
Develops and maintains various filing systems, records and logs; maintains various automated data bases; conducts file close-out.
Collects and compiles data to draft and produce various reports and correspondence.
Prepares various legal documents; secures authorized signatures and delivery to the appropriate party.
Pulls dockets, scans new cases, prints out judgments, files orders, and redacts information.
Drafts and edits revocations.
Provides attorney staff with all aspects of case preparation; compiles petitions and reports; conducts research as needed.
Calendars hearings and meetings for attorneys.
Retrieves files for attorneys; responds to questions regarding case disposition.
Reviews the completion of various applications or documents and processes.
Redacts court orders; copies and files records; notifies attorneys of filings.
Assists the public with inquiries and handles difficult customers and non-routine problems.
Substitutes, if assigned, for coworkers during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations.
Attends and participates in meetings, training and information sessions.
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrates commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts.
Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.
May serve as back up for archiving files and responding to open records requests.
Depending on area assigned: Prepares extradition packages, involves formatting, preparing, and signing forms; reviews information set by codes and statutes; conducts backgrounds on orders; checks for outstanding warrants; locates and sends police/offense reports for cases assigned; maintains non-arrest case activation; prepares cases and indictments for special courts i.e. grand jury; upgrades and modifies felony and misdemeanor cases from law enforcement agencies; investigates cases as directed; verifies cases in Writs list; examines cases to set trials or release.
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
Maintains a safe and healthy work place environment.
As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.