Starting Salary Rate: $22.43 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Office Support III in the Public Defender’s Office works directly with the Public Defender attorneys, client services coordinators, and management staff by performing clerical duties including, but not limited to, answering telephones, creating and maintaining paper files, creating and maintaining electronic files in the case management system, typing/generating reports, letters, motions, legal documents, and correspondence necessary in the representation of individual deemed eligible for Public Defender representation as well as performing a variety of office support tasks as required.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

1. Enters, manages, and maintains all client information in office electronic databases, including the case management system.
2. Communicates with attorneys, client services coordinators, and other County agencies concerning Public Defender clients, including but not limited to status of representation, appearance dates, other important dates, and case status.
3. Prepares, sorts, records, and files legal documentation.
4. Maintains a calendar of significant dates and enters data for statistical records, including but not limited to the number of clients represented quarterly.
5. Creates, maintains, and prepares paper files, including but not limited to boxing files for storage.
6. Prepares numerous types of computer-generated forms and correspondence necessary for the representation of Public Defender clients.

Non-Essential Functions

1. Operates various office equipment such as: fax, copier, and paper shredder.
2. Answers telephone and performs related receptionist duties.
3. Assists clerical support personnel as necessary.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or possession of a G.E.D. Certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
• Prior legal secretarial experience, preferably in a Public Defender’s Office or in a private law firm with an emphasis on criminal practice.
• Prior customer service experience with an emphasis on heavy contact with both the general public and professionals, both face-to-face and via telephone.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to use various computer software such as Word and Excel.
• Ability to perform routine clerical work such as filing and organizing files.
• Possess good oral communication skills.
• Ability to type accurately and quickly.
• Tact, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 15 pounds fifteen (15) feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.