Special Counsel Legal Assistant

State of North Carolina

11d • $19 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is temporary, part-time, 20 hours per week. The Office of Indigent Defense Services seeks a legal assistant to provide clerical and secretarial support to the Office of Special Counsel in Raleigh, North Carolina. The successful candidate will join an office with four attorneys and three additional support staff. This position is located in an office that provides legal representation to individuals subject to civil commitment proceedings in Wake County, North Carolina. The office is located on the former Dorothea Dix Hospital campus. Work hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: general office practices and procedures; NCGS Chapter 122C admissions requirements for involuntary and voluntary patients; rules pertaining to the confidentiality of client information; general knowledge of the role and mission of Special Counsel's Office and its relationship to the treatment facilities, to the Attorney General's Office, and to the Clerk of Superior Court's office.
• Skills in: operating computers, printers, copiers, telephones, fax machines and other office equipment; Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; and effectively communicating both orally and in writing.
• Ability to: learn specific rules and State Regulations relating to verifying, processing, and maintaining office records and documents; communicate effectively with the Clerk of Superior Court's office, the Attorney General's office, and staff at the four facilities, to ensure accuracy of the court calendar; communicate effectively with clients who call the office; learn legal terminology, formats for orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents; and provide basic information and instructions regarding programs or office procedures to clients, attorneys and other court officials.
• Also, the ability to learn new software systems including databases, and new components of the soon to be implemented Judicial Branch's eCourts and Odyssey systems.
• Graduation from high school and two (2) years of legal secretarial experience.

Nice To Haves

• Management prefers candidates with two (2) years of experience as a processing assistant in psychiatric hospital admissions; and or two (2) years of psychiatric hospital Medical Records processing experience related to civil commitment court proceedings; and/or two (2) years as a HCT in a psychiatric facility; in addition, management prefers the applicant have documented experience interacting with individuals subject to the civil commitment process; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Candidates who are proficient with Microsoft Access preferred.
• Attach cover letter and résumé.

Responsibilities

• Setting up and maintaining client files, and administrative records.
• Filing, copying, and retrieving materials and ordering office supplies.
• Answering office telephone calls and documenting messages to speak to Special Counsel.
• Entering client data into a Microsoft Access database of client records and preparing statistical reports required by the Office of Special Counsel and by Indigent Defense Services.
• Communicating with staff in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court, the Attorney General's Office, and facility personnel including private counsel for four Wake County inpatient psychiatric facilities.

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.
• To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

What This Job Offers

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