Legal Specialist

TITLE: Legal Specialist

DIVISION: Child & Adult Protective Services Division

WORKING HOURS: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

JOB OBJECTIVES: The Legal Specialist is responsible to assist the CAPS Administrator, Divisional Supervisors, Social Service Workers and Prosecuting Attorneys with the preparation, completion and handling of legal and program documents, complaints, court motions, subpoenas and the administrative grievance process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee the completion and handling of all legal and program documents and forward to attorney or administrator/manager for signatures.
• Draft and prepare, in conjunction with assigned worker, initial court filings for all emergency complaints of abuse, neglect and/or dependency (legal and program documents) and forward to attorney or administrator/manager for signature.
• Draft and prepare in conjunction with assigned worker legal emergent and non-emergent complaints, statements, motions, court orders, case plans and witness lists.
• Ensure alignment of court documents and SACWIS data; enter court work in required SACWIS screens.
• Process and verify for accuracy agency court filings. Maintain and ensure timeliness of court motions.
• Coordinate and facilitate phone conferences and meetings with assigned attorneys and workers to discuss and prepare cases for court hearings.
• Maintain agency court calendar and invite appropriate agency staff to hearings.
• Distribute journal entries to agency staff. Enter court documents into digital imaging system (Traverse) for archiving.
• Respond to request for copies of documents from attorney, administrator or manager.
• Maintain CAPS administrative grievance process including answering phone calls, emails and faxes; mail and receiving grievance packets; log in grievances and distribute to CAPS Grievance Officer.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Operate a motor vehicle as needed to perform the essential functions.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other general clerical tasks as assigned.
• Keeps current in areas of responsibility by attending skill development conferences, seminars, or State-sponsored programs related to Federal, State laws, rules, and regulations.
• Performs other related job functions as needed.

1. JOB REQUIREMENTS

Systems: Ability to operate computers for data input and retrieval; proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Internet Explorer; knowledge of OBWP, OIES, SACWIS, OWCMS, SETS, Maximus Ledger Suite, MUNIS, MITS, BOY-IN, E-GATEWAY, E-QUIL, CCIDS, Time Force, Agency's Digital Imaging System and other systems as required by program area responsibility.

Equipment: Incumbent operates equipment such as, but not limited to, the following: personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-functional copier, fax machine, shredder, and transcriber.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies in the position:

• Communication Skills- Communicate clearly and informatively using multiple methods and forms of media. Present numerical data effectively.
• Customer Service- Manage difficult or emotional customer situations. Respond promptly and effectively to customer needs. Solicit customer feedback to improve service.
• Ethics- Treat people with respect. Keep commitments. Maintain confidentiality. Uphold organizational values. Work with integrity and maintain high standards of integrity.
• Initiative- Volunteer readily. Undertake self-development activities. Seek increased responsibilities. Take independent actions and calculated risks. Look for and take advantage of opportunities. Ask for and offer help when needed.
• Interpersonal Skills- Focus on solving conflicting, not blaming. Listen to others without interrupting. Keep emotions under control and use reason when dealing with emotional topics. Remain open to others' ideas and try new things.
• Planning- Establish well developed short- and long-term plans to meet future needs. Recognize progress points and monitor plans to achieve desired results. Implement contingency plans. Adhere to schedules and plans with ability to prioritize.
• Technical Skills- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, county and departmental policies, procedures and practices. Knowledge of JFS computer systems and related software packages, including policies and procedures associated with their use. Pursue training and development opportunities to continuously build knowledge and skills. Share expertise with others. Demonstrate knowledge of public administration.

Job Standards: Possession of at least two (2) years of college level coursework in Public or Business Administration and two (2) years of responsible legal administrative support work experience is required. Must possess a Notary Public License. Ability to type 55 w.p.m. as demonstrated through testing. Must possess a valid Ohio Driver's license and maintain continuing eligibility under the existing County driver eligibility standards.

2. DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work consists of varied, non-standardized tasks requiring the knowledge of established policies, rules, procedures, and laws.

3. RESPONSIBILITY

Supervisor provides general guidance allowing for the planning of procedures and methods to attain objectives. Errors in work are detected within the office in which they occur, possibly affecting the work of others, and requiring expenditure of time to correct.

4. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Incumbent has contacts with co-workers, employees of the County, and with the general public. The purpose of these contacts is to coordinate departmental efforts internally and with other County departments and outside entities.

5. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: Incumbent performs sedentary work that may require lifting up to fifteen (15) pounds occasionally. Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Physical Activity: Incumbent performs the following physical activities: talking hearing, driving, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering and repetitive motions.

Visual Activity: Incumbent performs work where the seeing job is close to the eyes.

Job Location: Incumbent works inside with no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

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