Office Support V (District Attorney)

The Starting rate for this position is $25.06 an hour. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Office Support V in the District Attorney’s Office performs paralegal work involving some independent judgment as assigned by the Office Deputy Director or the Deputy Director’s designee.  This role also performs a variety of legal secretarial duties including advanced typing, and a variety of office support tasks as required.  Work may be confidential in nature under the general supervision of the department head.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

Performs administrative/secretarial duties with respect to major felony cases, homicide cases, and high-profile criminal matters, assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, including:

• With final approval from the assigned prosecutor, independently performs legal research and drafts and prepares numerous types of pleadings, including but not limited to motions, answers, and notices necessary for the processing of criminal cases. 
• With final approval and under the supervision of the assigned prosecutor, reviews and assists in redaction of surveillance videos, police body worn cameras, and similar media.
• With final approval and under the supervision of the assigned prosecutor, prepares courtroom presentations, including but not limited to the creation of PowerPoint demonstrations as well as video and audio clips suitable for courtroom audio/visual equipment.
• With the assistance of criminal investigators, and at the direction of the assigned prosecutor, locates court witnesses and other people involved in criminal cases, including the drafting of material witness motions and warrants.
• Coordinates, prepares and maintains the administrative aspects of assigned cases which include working closely with assigned attorney in preparing subpoenas, discovery packets, correspondence, setting up meetings and interviews with witnesses; prepares any motions, orders, notices or answers relating to cases; prepares jail list/writs, including interstate subpoenas.
• Must be familiar with, and knowledgeable of, the facts of each case assigned, thereby easily adapting to fast-paced changes in trial strategies, including communicating these changes to trial witnesses and other court-related personnel.
• Enters, manages, and maintains all criminal case information in office electronic databases and statistical programs.
• Where necessary, communicates on a daily basis with law enforcement, victims and witnesses, and all levels of federal, state, and local government, as well as public and private agencies concerning criminal cases, including but not limited to appearance dates, other important dates, case status, and results of proceedings.
• Maintains calendar of significant dates for assigned cases; notifies assigned prosecutor of due dates, hearing dates, etc.; and prepares files for disposition.
• Answers telephones and performs related receptionist duties, including responding to telephone inquiries for supervisory personnel

Non-Essential Functions

• Assists attorneys and management staff as necessary as determined by the Office Deputy Director.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science from an accredited program preferred.
• Possess a paralegal certificate from a recognized issuing agency.
• Prior legal secretarial experience, preferably in a District Attorney’s Office or in a private law firm with an emphasis on criminal practice.
• Prior experience utilizing computer database programs to retrieve and manipulate information, as well as word processing experience.
• Prior customer service experience with an emphasis on heavy contact with both the public and all levels of professionals, both face-to-face and by telephone.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training, in the sole discretion of the District Attorney’s Office, that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Successful completion of employment background check, including but not limited to NCIC criminal check and child abuse clearances.
• Able to obtain security clearances and satisfactorily complete the training necessary to perform NCIC checks, as well as obtain authorization to utilize the internet based “J-Net” system.
• Able to communicate effectively using the English language, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledgeable in the use of multi-line telephone equipment.
• Good, accurate typing skills using either a typewriter or computer keyboard, with the minimum acceptable speed of 45 WPM with 85% accuracy
• Possess basic understanding of word processing software (Microsoft Word), spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel preferred), Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Professional, and other database concepts.
• Understanding of office methods, rules, practices, and procedures.
• Capable of understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Able to maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties, including all other employees. 
• Tact, discretion, and professionalism in dealing with members of the public.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical lifting of multiple files and file boxes as necessary.  Maximum weight of boxes is 15 pounds, which is usually required approximately once per week.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Clean, climate-controlled office setting.

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.