Legal Assistant Victim Witness 1

Job Summary:

This position performs a variety of technical legal administrative functions to assist in the effective operations of the Grays Harbor County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, specifically for victim based crimes; provides legal support to assigned attorneys; provides support to victims and witnesses of crimes prosecuted by the office; prepares and files legal documents; creates and maintains case files; performs legal research; drafts and edits various legal documents; and screens calls of assigned attorneys; and locates and assimilates information and documentation in multiple databases and software programs. 

Essential Duties:

1. Ability to use the Prosecutor’s specialized electronic case management database, Karpel. 
2. Skilled in locating records in the Judicial Information System (JIS) and the Judicial Access Browser System (JABS), the Washington State District Court systems. 
3. Skilled in located records in Odyssey, the Superior Court online records system;
4. Skilled in accessing and locating records in the Felony Offender Reporting System (FORS/OMNI), the Department of Corrections database.
5. Skilled in accessing and locating records in the Department of Licensing records program, Driver Information and Adjudication System (DIAS).
6. Ability to type dictated legal documents at no less than 40 words per minute accurately. Including all formatting for the charges, jurisdiction, purpose of legal document and formatting according to appropriate Court Rules.
7. Skilled at preparing or drafting correspondence, legal briefs, pleadings, charging information, complaints, orders, court orders, affidavits, notices of appearance, motions, notices of infraction, summonses, warrants, subpoenas, and all other types of legal documents and correspondence, utilizing existing case management system or Word documents. 
8. Creates, updates, maintains, and retrieves physical case files for area of assignment;
9. Reviews case files and court rules to assure timely action or review by attorney; and initiates preparation of appropriate documents and pleadings at each stage of case progress, with input and review by an attorney. 
10. Organizes, assembles, and maintains other attorneys’ files and records, including correspondence, opinion, information and research files. 
11. Contacts victims, witnesses, law enforcement agencies and attorneys to obtain or relay information, schedule appointments, assist in completing documents, and other tasks as deemed necessary. 
12. Receives and directs incoming calls and visitors, takes messages, determines needs, answers general questions and furnishes information regarding established procedures, policies and services.
13. Maintains contact with crime victims and witnesses to direct them to services offered in the community which might benefit their situation, and assist in the preparation of restitution estimates. Conveys information from the attorneys, schedules interviews or appointments, documenting that contact.
14. Assists with office operations such as opening and distributing mail, filing paperwork, maintaining office files and case management system, and ensuring a smooth flow of work through the office. 
15. Archives records according to established retention schedule, including the packaging and transport of office files to appropriate storage.  

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED; and 
2. Experience:

1. At least one (1) year experience as a legal secretary in a legal office or prosecuting attorney’s office; or
2. Completion of a legal assistant program; or
3. Extensive, demonstrable experience in a related field that would ensure the effective performance of the duties of this position. 

1. A valid Washington State driver’s license and acceptable driving record; and 
2. Must be bondable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

            KNOWLEDGE

SKILLS

• Demonstrated skill in interpersonal and customer service skills to deal courteously with the public, county employees and agencies requiring services;
• Demonstrated skill in the use of Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel;
• Demonstrated skill in the use of standard office machines and equipment;
• Demonstrated skill in attention to detail and accuracy;

ABILITIES 

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of the caseloads and work of the office, discussing the same only with appropriate parties. 
• Demonstrated ability to analyze facts, compose initial drafts of documents and pleadings, interview witnesses and prepare statements or declarations relating to interviews; 
• Demonstrated ability to work cases in a timely manner, with little to no monitoring;
• Demonstrated ability to type at least 40 words per minute with accuracy;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work to meet established deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to follow oral and written instructions;
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and communicate proficiently;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials and the general public, being courteous, polite and tactful;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure;
• Demonstrated ability to deal with individuals who are under emotional stress;
• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion over sensitive or confidential issues related to cases and department’s business; 
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with varying degrees of noise and temperament of people.  Physical requirements include, sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, a sense of touch, finger dexterity, ability to grip with hands and fingers, ability to hear voice conversation, ability to speak and the ability to read existing records in their original and stored formats.   Occasionally, there is a need to retrieve and to store files, requiring lifting of boxes and other materials up to 30 pounds. 

Certificates:

Applicants are required to substantiate their ability to accurately type 40 wpm by attaching a typing certificate with their application. 

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER