Paralegal/Domestic Violence Victim Advocate

City of Des Moines Washington•Des Moines, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision of the City Attorney t his 0.85 FTE position divides time between Paralegal duties (approximately 60% of position hours) and Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy (approximately 40% of position hours), with the balance of time dedicated to administrative support for the Legal Department. The Paralegal role provides legal office coordination, drafts and reviews legal documents, conducts legal research, and maintains records. The Victim Advocate role provides support to victims of violent crimes, assists in the prosecution of domestic violence cases, and serves as liaison between victims, law enforcement, and the courts. This position requires handling confidential information, meeting strict deadlines, and balancing responsibilities across both roles. The position may also serve as Legal Department Office Manager and, on occasion, provide administrative support to the City Manager's Office.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Organization, functions, and activities of a municipal legal department and municipal government operations.
Legal office, paralegal, and administrative procedures and practices.
Civil and criminal law processes, including prosecutorial functions.
Legal terminology, case law citation, and use of law libraries.
Drafting, formatting, and processing requirements for public documents, contracts, pleadings, and other legal instruments.
Confidentiality requirements applicable to legal records, personnel records, and victim information.
Trauma-informed practices, crisis counseling, and cultural sensitivity in victim advocacy.
Federal, state, and City laws, codes, rules, and regulations applicable to paralegal and victim services functions.
Financial and statistical recordkeeping techniques.
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and legal case management systems (e.g., DISCIS, SCOMIS, JIS).
Principles of customer service and effective public relations.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Basic real estate transaction processes, including title/escrow coordination and related documentation.
Skill and Ability to: Draft, proofread, and finalize a wide range of legal and administrative documents with accuracy and attention to detail.
Conduct legal research, analyze data and information, and summarize findings in clear and concise formats.
Independently plan, organize, prioritize, and schedule work to meet fixed and fluctuating deadlines.
Manage emotionally charged situations, apply crisis intervention skills, and maintain professional boundaries.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, victims, partner agencies, and the public.
Prepare clear and accurate reports and statistical data for internal use and compliance.
Prepare and assemble agenda materials and supporting documentation for City Council and other governing bodies.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, elected officials, external agencies, and the public.
Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Assist in courtroom proceedings and provide advocacy in judicial settings.
Identify and recommend improvements in office procedures and victim support practices.
Operate standard office equipment and computer applications with proficiency; type at a minimum speed of 50 words per minute.
Provide courteous customer service to the public and partner agencies by phone and in person.
Maintain accurate records, files, and filing systems.
Report for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Graduation from high school (or equivalent), plus a paralegal certificate or college-level course work in paralegal or legal administration, business administration, office management or related field, and Two (2) years of experience in legal, advocacy or administrative support, experience in a legal office or victim services environment preferred.
Possession of and the ability to maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver's License with a good driving record.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background and criminal history check.
Because of the known effects of tobacco use, the City of Des Moines does not hire applicants who use tobacco products.

Nice To Haves

experience in a legal office or victim services environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Drafts, prepares, reviews, and finalizes a wide variety of legal documents, including ordinances, resolutions, contracts, interlocal agreements, easements, purchase and sale agreements, settlement agreements, pleadings, complaints, answers, subpoenas, interrogatories, jury instructions, and correspondence.
Conducts legal research; verifies citations; organizes and summarizes information, witness statements, and documents; drafts and edits pleadings and motions; and prepares case materials for litigation or potential litigation.
Coordinates civil asset forfeiture hearings, including preparing notices, orders, and related documentation.
Assists attorneys and prosecutors with gathering evidence, discovery, and trial preparation.
Prepares agenda cover sheets and packets for City Council on matters from the City Attorney's Office.
Provides office coordination and administrative support, including department records, litigation calendars, files, payroll data, special project files, and library resources.
Prepares and coordinates paperwork for real estate transactions, working with title companies and escrow offices to facilitate property acquisitions.
Responds to public records requests and communicates with City staff, outside counsel, and agencies on research requests, pending lawsuits, and contract preparation.
Provides paralegal, administrative, and secretarial assistance to the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, and Prosecutor as assigned.
Conducts outreach and education to enhance public awareness of domestic violence issues and available resources.
Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, referrals, and emotional support for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes.
Advises and explains court processes to victims and interested parties as needed, prepares necessary paperwork, and attends hearings as requested by the Prosecutor.
Works with the Prosecuting Attorney to prepare and develop domestic violence cases, including gathering case information.
Coordinates with police, courts, and external social service agencies to ensure comprehensive victim support.
Reviews relevant City code and state laws for updates; proposes policies or procedures to reduce domestic violence.
Compiles reports and statistical data accurately and in a timely manner.
Provides administrative coordination for the Legal Department; may serve as Office Manager.
Ensures confidentiality, accuracy, and proper formatting of legal and victim-related documentation within required deadlines.
Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
Reports for scheduled work with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to cross-functional assignments to cover absences, provide relief, equalize peak work periods, or balance workload