Legal Assistant I (Open Until Filled)

Prineville, OR

Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Office Manager and Child Support Enforcement Officer, this position performs specialized legal assistant functions for the Crook County District Attorney’s Office; performs a variety of duties associated with general office assistance in a legal setting.  This position performs a variety of legal support for the District Attorney’s Office, including telephone and counter reception, Child Support Enforcement, and administrative support functions. 

Job Duties:

*This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities but constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function. Specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the Crook County District Attorney’s Office (“DA Office”). 

  • Perform legal administrative duties in the Crook County District Attorney’s Office (“DA Office”); perform duties within scope of authority, and in compliance with DA Office and county policies and the law; job duties may vary according to work assignment and training.
  • Must have ability to form and build good working relationships with co-workers, supervisor, court staff, law enforcement, and the general public.
  • Perform telephone and counter reception duties, utilize computer databases to enter, retrieve, and process confidential data, legal documents, and correspondence.
  • Review and process court docket schedules, case files, supporting documentation, legal documents, and correspondence.
  • Balance petty cash on a weekly basis, including all online payments, making deposits and reconciling the cash box.
  • Utilize specialized computer software, compose and create letters, memoranda, and legal documents from general direction by Attorneys, Office Manager, or as directed by the Child Support Enforcement Agent.
  • Index and electronically file correspondence, pleadings, discovery, notes, memoranda, reports, and other materials according to office and legal procedures.
  • Assist attorneys with trial preparation and may attend trial. Organize exhibits, files, and other supporting documents, coordinate trial logistics, and assist attorneys in the courtroom.
  • Perform a wide variety of paralegal work including document preparation, maintenance of accurate and detailed records, verifying accuracy of information, researching discrepancies, and recording information.
  • Perform other duties as business needs necessitate.

Competencies:

Knowledge of:

  • DA Office policies and procedures, organization, and operations
  • County policies and procedures
  • Relevant statutes, policies and procedures, and specialized computer software applications.
  • Principles of record keeping, case files, and record management.
  • Basic laws and regulations governing the release of information and confidentiality.

Skill in:

  • Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized business software programs along with Microsoft Office products.
  • Reading legal documents and extracting relevant information.
  • Learning to draft, prepare, file and distribute various types of legal documents
  • Dealing tactfully and courteously with people seeking information about DA Office functions and activities.
  • Effectively handling hostile, angry, and emotional customers
  • Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other participants in the criminal justice process.
  • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to:

  • Collaborate, communicate effectively, organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines, work with direct supervision and apply common sense to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
  • Promote the goals and priorities of the DA Office, act in an honest manner and uphold the ethical standards of the District Attorney’s Office, including respecting the confidential nature of information and records.
  • Ability and skill to contribute to a positive work environment. 

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a standard office environment. This is largely a sedentary role; however some filing, lifting and carrying may be required. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position in the office. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel:

No travel is expected for this position except for trainings.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • One (1) year of office clerical support and computer experience; OR any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities to perform the above-described duties
  • Possession or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire date.
  • Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) and CJIS certification from the State of Oregon within six months of hire.
  • Must have Notary Certification or be able to complete within 90 days of employment.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

  • Able to complete a thorough employment and/or criminal history check and drug screen.
  • Final candidates will be required to provide official proof of college degree and certified transcripts (not required for all positions).

AAP/EEO Statement:

  • This position is ‘at-will’, and either Crook County or the employee may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause.
  • Crook County is an equal opportunity employer.