Paralegal I - Parentage Intake/Filing Unit (Internal Applicants Only)

King County•Kent, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position involves complex paralegal work, which requires in-depth knowledge of civil litigation and legal office operations, highly developed administrative skills and considerable knowledge of functions of various county agencies. The Individual assigned to this classification provide paraprofessional legal support to an assigned group of attorneys and other staff. There is considerable latitude in working independently and exercising judgment and because of that, the impact of errors may be significant.

Requirements

Knowledge of legal office practices and procedures
Knowledge of court rules and procedures
Knowledge of complex filing systems
Ability to access and utilize information from various computer systems
Skill in remaining calm in high stress situations and meeting deadlines
Skill in working on a number of tasks simultaneously and accurately
Ability to maintain office confidentiality
Skill in working independently and as a member of a team
Skill in explaining procedures and legal terminology to lay people
Ability to prepare a variety of clear and concise written materials using proper grammar, punctuation and spelling
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with coworkers, clients and others
Customer service skills in person and via telephone (discretion, patience, etiquette, professionalism.)
Leadership skills
Problem solving skills
Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
Follow written and verbal directions and complete assigned tasks on schedule
Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math
Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes, and apply procedures using good judgment
Work with supervision, receiving instructions/feedback, coaching/counseling and/or action/discipline
Commitment to Race, Equity and Social Justice work including ongoing cultural competence development

Nice To Haves

Internal Applicants Only
Applicants must serve and pass their six-month probation period in their current position in order to be eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

Process incoming review codes from the Division of Child Support regarding parentage cases. This includes assigning cases electronically to staff in Seattle and Kent, re-activating closed cases, processing paperwork from other jurisdictions requesting parentage establishment, and producing interview letters to custodians
Obtain, interpret and document information needed for establishing parentage, utilizing the interview process. Because of the discrete information that is shared in the context of a parentage interview, the interviewer needs to be a respectful, compassionate and sensitive person
Create complete case files including all necessary documentation and update information in SEMS.
Notify the Division of Child Support to send out non-cooperation and cooperation notices to DSHS Offices when appropriate
Review parentage referrals to ensure proper jurisdiction and venue, determine if cases are appropriate for service of pleadings and prepare parentage petitions and supporting documentation
Perform general research, gather information, and compile data
Draft and prepare letters, memos and other correspondence
Provide technical or administrative support to the Deputy Prosecutor and to the Legal Administrative Specialists
Provide case management and deadline control, monitoring progress of all assigned cases and matters
Respond to a high volume of telephone calls and e-mails from petitioners, responding jurisdictions and other agencies
Meet with parties in person to explain legal procedures and policies of the office pertaining to parentage establishment
Perform locate work using available computer systems
Arrange for genetic testing of parties involved in the parentage case. May provide back up for genetic testing
Arrange for service on military personnel, inmates, out of county, and out of country parties as needed
Provide court coverage for parentage litigation
May be assigned the orientation and/or training of coworkers
Must be able to work independently or as part of a team and interact appropriately with others
Actively participate in PAO equity work, attending equity trainings and discussions
Additional responsibilities and/or tasks may be incorporated, or existing ones modified as business needs evolve