Paralegal - Family Division

Calhoun County Government • Battle Creek, MI

6d • $19 - $27 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Office Assistant/Paralegal performs legal clerical work involved in processing cases in the Circuit Court, under the supervision of assigned department unit managers. Duties vary by department assignment and may be adjusted periodically to meet court needs. Candidates will be informed during the interview process which unit positions are being filled.

The role supports court operations by establishing and maintaining case files, processing legal documents, scheduling appointments and hearings, preparing correspondence and reports, entering case information, and filing documents with the court clerk. Depending on the assignment, the position may also support Friend of the Court activities, courtroom proceedings, jury operations, and case-file management.

Employees assigned to the Calhoun County Friend of the Court must complete pre-employment fingerprinting and criminal-history screening to determine eligibility to access federal tax information under IRS requirements. The position is hybrid-eligible after the probationary period, with a fixed schedule, and is largely sedentary with extensive computer work and frequent contact with the public and customers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Interest in legal proceedings.
• Ability and desire to problem solve, improve processes, and learn new computer software.
• Ability and desire to engage with the public and coworkers in person and electronically, and to provide courteous, accurate information in response to inquiries about court services.

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 and 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 regarding 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; validate warrants in L.E.I.N. when required.
• Prepare correspondence, financial documentation, memos, notices, reports, and 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 tasks such as jury operations, case-file and document management, and related work.

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 and flexible scheduling for eligible positions.
• 401(k) with up to 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
• Education Level: High school or GED