Paralegal - Family Division

Calhoun County Government • Battle Creek, MI

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office Assistant/Paralegal performs legal clerical work processing court cases within the Circuit Court under the supervision of assigned department unit managers. Work includes establishing case files, processing legal documents, scheduling appointments and hearings, preparing correspondence, notices and reports, entering information, and filing documents with the court clerk. The role is part of the Circuit Court’s clerical support system. Assignments may change periodically to meet the Court’s needs, and each unit has its own set of tasks; candidates will be told which unit positions are open during the interview process.

Friend of the Court employees must complete pre-employment fingerprinting and criminal history screening to determine eligibility for access to federal tax information under IRS requirements. The position is hybrid-eligible after the probationary period and follows a fixed schedule. The role is largely sedentary, involves extensive computer work, and includes frequent interaction with the public and customers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Ability and desire to problem-solve, improve processes, and learn new computer software.
• Ability and interest in engaging with the public and coworkers in person and electronically.
• Interest in legal proceedings and desire to provide courteous, accurate information in response to inquiries about court services.
• Friend of the Court employees must submit to pre-employment fingerprinting and criminal history screening to determine eligibility for access to federal tax information.

Nice To Haves

• Some college, an associate degree, or a paralegal degree.
• Two years of experience in an office or clerical environment in a court or closely related setting.
• Customer service or sales experience.

Responsibilities

• Establish case files, receive petitions, examine them for accuracy and completeness, enter case information into the case management system, and file case reports and other documents.
• Schedule, prepare, and process appointments, notices, and hearings.
• Prepare and issue notices and summons, appoint attorneys, and enter matters into the court calendar.
• Ensure legal service of process, completed case reports, and proper notice before scheduled hearings.
• Provide and collect information from coworkers, parties, parents, youth, attorneys, and the public about case status, scheduled proceedings, court policies and procedures, and related matters.
• Prepare and process legal documents before and after court proceedings.
• Enter case or financial dispositions into the case management system and schedule the next event.
• For Friend of the Court assignments, assist with locating individuals for establishment or enforcement, DNA testing, and child support calculations using approved software.
• Prepare and process bench warrants, warrant recalls, and writs of apprehension, and validate warrants in L.E.I.N. when required.
• Prepare correspondence, financial documentation, memos, notices, reports, or letters for Court staff.
• Enter and modify case financial information in accordance with court orders.
• Record court proceedings or assist in the courtroom with a judge or referee, as needed.
• Perform other related tasks, which may include jury operations and case file and document management.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Health and retirement plans.
• Paid time off: 6.47 hours per pay period for hourly employees or 4.2 weeks annually for salaried employees.
• 14 paid holidays per year.
• Hybrid work and flexible scheduling for eligible positions.
• 401(k) with up to a 7% County match.
• Near-site clinic offering preventative and primary care, with on-site medications.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $3,000 annually.
• Opportunities for professional growth.

What This Job Offers

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