Paralegal I/II

El Dorado County (CA) • Placerville, CA

38d

About The Position

The County of El Dorado is committed to promoting the power of public service by fostering a diverse and collaborative workplace where employees are empowered, respected, and valued. The dedicated efforts taken by the Board of Supervisors continue to promote El Dorado County as a competitive employer that is committed to recruiting and retaining qualified employees by advocating for competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The County of El Dorado is also supportive of providing telework opportunities for employees consistent with business needs and in accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy E-12 - Telecommuting. This is a great opportunity to work as a Paralegal in beautiful El Dorado County. Paralegal I/II is a flexibly staffed classification. At the Paralegal I- level, incumbents will learn and perform routine paralegal duties. Once experience is gained assignments will become more complex and difficult in nature. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Paralegal II is a fully qualified journey-level paraprofessional in the paralegal series. Paralegal I is distinguished from the II-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to: Prepare various legal documents such as motions, appeals, and briefs; complete and file documents. Interview various clients, witnesses, and others to obtain information regarding cases, eligibility, determinations, conservatorships, and other activities and functions. Explain procedures, regulations, and policies to those interviewed and the public; refer individuals to other sources of information and assistance as appropriate. Perform legal research under the direction of an attorney; gather information regarding laws, ordinances, regulations, court decisions, and similar materials related to assigned support areas. Screens calls, visitors, and incoming mail; provides information to the public by phone or in person requiring an understanding of department services and County policies and procedures; listens to questions and interprets and applies regulations, policies, procedures, systems, rules, and precedents according to existing guidelines; responds to citizen and staff inquiries and complaints; refers citizens to the appropriate department source; coordinates or resolves problems of a moderate nature when appropriate. Researches and downloads confidential data from varying systems. For a full description of duties and responsibilities, please review the job description here.

Requirements

• Paralegal I: In accordance with the California Business and Professions Code, Section 6450(c), as may be amended from time to time, applicants must meet one of the following requirements: A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association. OR A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. OR A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. OR A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
• Paralegal II: In addition to the above, two (2) years of paralegal experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Paralegal I.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• Incumbents assigned to the Paralegal class are required to meet mandatory continuing education requirements pursuant to California Law, Business and Professions Code, Section 6450(d), as may be amended from time to time.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a paralegal certificate issued by an accredited paralegal program or institution is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare various legal documents such as motions, appeals, and briefs; complete and file documents.
• Interview various clients, witnesses, and others to obtain information regarding cases, eligibility, determinations, conservatorships, and other activities and functions.
• Explain procedures, regulations, and policies to those interviewed and the public; refer individuals to other sources of information and assistance as appropriate.
• Perform legal research under the direction of an attorney; gather information regarding laws, ordinances, regulations, court decisions, and similar materials related to assigned support areas.
• Screens calls, visitors, and incoming mail; provides information to the public by phone or in person requiring an understanding of department services and County policies and procedures; listens to questions and interprets and applies regulations, policies, procedures, systems, rules, and precedents according to existing guidelines; responds to citizen and staff inquiries and complaints; refers citizens to the appropriate department source; coordinates or resolves problems of a moderate nature when appropriate.
• Researches and downloads confidential data from varying systems.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees