Legal Assistant

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs legal work assisting DHHS Attorneys in the performance of a wide variety of administrative and clerical services for the department.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the DHHS Attorneys in the Child Protective Services section of the Guilford County Attorney’s Office. The primary purpose of this position is to provide administrative support to DHHS Attorneys that represent the Department of Health and Human Services in all aspects of Social Services law with an emphasis on Child Welfare and Abuse, Neglect and Dependency. Work includes providing timely, accurate and complete assistance with all typing, filing, completion of legal documents, scheduling matters, in court assistance and phone duties.  Legal work is performed under the guidance and direction of the DHHS Attorneys. An employee in this classification is supervised by the Legal Services Administrator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Prepares orders, petitions, service documents and all legal papers under the guidance and direction of DHHS attorneys.
• Types all orders, motions, notices, subpoenas, affidavits, publications and petitions
• Answers the phone, directs calls, takes and delivers messages and organizes and maintains files including pending actions.
• Obtain signatures for orders.
• Organizes and maintains files including pending actions utilizing the office’s internal case management.
• Assists DHHS attorneys in trial preparation including document preparation.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of legal terminology and various legal documents and processes.
• Proficient knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office software.
• Knowledge of legal system process for preparing documents timely as per statutory timeframes.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple work assignments requiring attention to detail and stated timelines.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to greet clients, answer phones and serve as the point of contact for the Child Protective Services division in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to be self-motivated to perform duties without being told.
• Ability to be courteous and able to work well with in-house staff as well as courthouse staff.  
• Ability to be self motivated to perform duties without being told.

Minimum Qualifications

High School graduate or equivalent and two years of administrative/office support experience, including but not limited to knowledge of legal systems, with computer and excellent typing skills.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in DSS and Civil Litigation

Physical Demands

Work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving an automobile, or use of a PCs or other VDTs to accomplish work objectives.  No specific physical demands required.  Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present

Working Conditions

1. Environment: Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness.  Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable.
2. Hazards: Work presents no significant hazards to employees

May Require Driving 
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
 

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.

Salary : $43,047 - $50,580