Caseworker II- Public Defender

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE

The Caseworker II - Public Defender assists attorneys in the preparation of criminal cases for defense by the public defender.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Prepares files for court, including typing and filing court documents, obtaining correct affidavits, mailing certified documents, and monitoring time limitations on the file.
• Opens and closes cases. Makes case notes.
• Transcribes memorandums, letters, and a variety of legal documents.
• Files necessary documents.
• Communicates to clients how the criminal procedure will progress.
• Makes and confirms travel reservations for witnesses. Calculates the number of compensation checks to be presented upon their arrival.
• Monitors statutory time limits.
• Provides backup for other caseworkers in the event of their absence.
• Reviews criminal files to ensure necessary witnesses and evidence are in court at the time of the preliminary hearing or trial.
• Prepares out-of-state witnesses, and processes for uncooperative, essential witnesses for felony and gross misdemeanor proceedings.
• Answers incoming telephone calls. Provides information or routes calls as appropriate. 
• Maintains master calendar and separate calendars for attorneys.
• Updates the office manager on work status and important developments they may need to know in order to function effectively.
• Represents the department with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA’s)

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Nevada criminal law and how the criminal justice system works.
• Knowledge of juvenile dependency and juvenile delinquency cases.
• Knowledge of related outside agencies.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and regulations. 
• Working knowledge and correct usage of business English including spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and formats.
• Working knowledge of business correspondence formats, record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Working knowledge of personal computer hardware and software including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases for the purposes of creating, editing and distributing information.
• Thorough knowledge of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, county ordinances and regulations, department rules and regulations, and relevant court rulings.

Skills 

• Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills especially in dealing with the public.
• Interpreting legal documents and determining how they apply to various cases.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Understanding and carrying out complex written and oral communications.
• Managing time effectively.
• Typing with speed and accuracy.
• Making and verifying arithmetical computations with accuracy and speed.
• Using the tools and equipment listed below.

Abilities

• Establishing a good rapport with clients.
• Dealing appropriately with exposure to the consequences of acts of violence perpetrated against others.
• Thinking and acting quickly, accurately, and calmly under stressful, emergency situations.
• Complying with Elko County policies and departmental procedures.
• Performing detailed clerical tasks in an accurate, orderly and timely fashion.
• Accomplishing organizational goals and working independently on assignments from beginning to end.
• Managing multiple deadlines and competing demands successfully.
• Maintaining confidentiality.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, supervisors, city, county, state and federal officials and the public as needed. Dealing with problems courteously and tactfully.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

An employee in this position must meet the following physical requirements upon application:

• Work is performed in an office setting. 
• Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear, sit, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 15 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be exposed to angry, upset or abusive individuals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Frequent interruption to planned work activities should be expected.
• Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise, or odors. 
• Tools and equipment used include personal computer, printer, scanner, telephone system, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, postage machine and other associated office equipment. 
• Incumbent will occasionally be asked to travel in a passenger vehicle.