Legal Specialist III/Superior Court Assistant

San Juan County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

San Juan County is excited to invite candidates to apply for our Superior Court Assistant position. The position is part-time working 28 hours per week and receives full benefits. First screening of candidates will be on Monday, February 24th. To be considered with the first round of candidates, we recommend submitting your application prior to this date.

Serves as part-time receptionist and assistant for Superior Court. Under the supervision of the Court Administrator, performs clerical tasks including: responding to routine inquiries and scheduling hearings, trials, and civil ceremonies; complex management of various calendars; communicates with attorneys, litigants and the public; schedules professionals needed for court hearings and trials; maintains Superior Court records; and maintains the law library. Performs a wide variety of clerical duties requiring specialized administrative skills and knowledge of Superior Court administrative operations. The position includes serving the public, in person, by written communication and by telephone. The position includes coordinating updates to the Superior Court websites, and the ideal candidate would be able to perform routine updates independently.

1. Receives incoming calls, answers inquiries, and transfers to the appropriate persons.        
2. Provides information to the public and court participants in-person, via telephone and via e-mail about the court facilities, calendars, local court rules, and policies.  May include non English speaking persons.
3. Schedules hearings, trials, and civil ceremonies based on pre-determined court calendars and individual schedules. 
4. Schedules court professionals and make necessary travel arrangements. 
5. Coordinates updates to the Superior Court website.   
6. Collect and distribute mail; date stamp and review for deadlines; log significant names and events in computerized and physical calendars. 
7. Monitors the collection of the San Juan County Law Library. 
8. Provides legal administrative support to Judge and Court Administrator as needed.
9. Maintains department inventory of supplies and equipment and places orders when needed.
10. Maintains online directories of Superior Court Administration files. 
11. Maintains Superior Court Administration physical files consistent with file maintenance, and records retention and destruction policies.  
12. Monitors billings for contractors and vendors and prepares necessary vouchers for approval.
13. Acts on behalf of Court Administrator in their absence and performs related duties.
14. Performs related duties as assigned. 
15. Maintains courtroom technology and electronics (i.e. Listen Talk devices, lapel mics)
16. Acts within the scope of their responsibilities, working as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
17. Attend necessary job-related training to learn/keep skills current. 

Any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Associate’s degree and two years administrative or secretarial experience, court-related or legal experience preferred; Fluency in Spanish preferred. Type 60 wpm with accuracy. Required ability to pass a criminal background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective, professional communication both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in Outlook and Excel (as scheduling and calendaring is high percentage of daily work, complex and multi-layered)
• Understand how the legal system operate.
• Strong organizational skills, both with regard to electronic files and physical files. 
• Detail oriented and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to manage deadlines and have attention to detail.
• Ability to proficiently use sophisticated court-related computer software applications. 
• Observe strict confidentiality.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Work independently and make responsible decisions in accordance with applicable laws, court procedures, local court rules, and County policies.  
• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with court personnel, state and local agencies, attorneys and the general public.
• Plan, organize, prioritize, coordinate, schedule and follow through on assignments to meet work objectives and deadlines. 
• Maintain a high standard of accuracy, completeness, and efficiency.
• Type 60 words per minute accurately and precisely.

WORKING CONDITIONS 
Work is performed in an office or courtroom environment. Work includes daily exposure to members of the public who may be angry and/or hostile and possible exposure to other hazardous situations. Irregular work hours are possible. Work requires sitting for extended periods of time, as well as standing, walking, stooping and bending. Continuous wrist and finger movement with computer work and data entry. Occasional lifting of 10-20 pounds.