Paralegal I (Prosecuting Attorney) (Grant Funded)

***NOTE*** To be considered for this position, please apply at the Skagit County Job Opportunity site:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/skagitwa/default.cfm

Summary

NOTE- This position is 100% grant funded. If the grant funding for this runs out in the future, the position will be eliminated.

The Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office advises Law Enforcement Agencies within Skagit County, on legal and investigative matters and determines if criminal charges should be filed. This position works to support the unique needs necessary for the effective functioning of a complex legal environment within the parameters of Reception and District Court Unit.

This classification performs legal support work at the District Court level by working with misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases generated by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, local jurisdictions and State agencies. This position will provide legal support services to assigned attorneys, prepare and file legal documents, set up files, maintain case files, and input case information into the database systems.

Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($25.26- $27.06 per hour), dependent upon qualifications.

Per County policy, progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 8 total steps (top step $32.09/hr.). This position is range 11 of the AFSCME (Prosecuting Attorney Support Staff) salary schedule.

Essential Functions

This position will provide legal support services to assigned attorneys, prepares and files legal documents, and maintains case files.

Interacts with distraught or difficult individuals, defuses and calms victims or witnesses, either in person or on the telephone.

Attends to witnesses waiting to testify in trials. Gets them settled and comfortable in a safe environment until their court appearance.

Act as a liaison between police agencies and attorneys and staff.

Updates and maintains defendant contact information in the data management system when received from walk-ins, RAP sheets, phone calls and through law enforcement.

Makes formal written requests from law enforcement for reports, 911 calls and Dash Cams and independently prepares appropriate pleadings and legal documents. Sends defendants or attorneys appropriate discovery documents relating to cases via mail or File Share. Notate when discovery has been sent.

Maintains case tracking system of case files, records, calendars and administrative information as required. Opens, closes, archives, destroys and maintains assigned files and records according to department procedures.

Receives and enters referrals direct from law enforcement agencies, Washington State Patrol, Fish and Wildlife, Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Swinomish Police Department, Upper Skagit Police Department, Washington State Gambling Commission, and any State agency with police powers and receives referrals electronically through Laserfische and Sector. Inputs into the data management system, along with suspect, victim and witness information.

Reviews referral to ensure filing within the statute of limitations/appeal timelines which can vary from 14 days to three years.

Gathers information and performs investigative work using governmental databases such as JIS/JABS and Spillman, to locate addresses and criminal history of the Defendant.

Creates PA Tickets by performing appropriate look up of legal citations to verify citations of statutes and cases or other related information.

Prepares Summons and Complaint and Affidavit of Probable Cause for filing of charges against individuals.

Transmits discovery to defense attorney using Laserfiche, File-Share, Document E-Transmittal, or for in person pick up while ensuring it is being distributed in compliance with statutes and court rules.

Initiates preparation of appropriate documents and pleadings at each stage of case progress which in most cases involves 6 to 9 months from inception to completion.

Updates case status and information into computer database every time the defendant is ordered to appear.

Review Court files for complete information and consistency of court dates, and perform basic legal research to verify citations of statutes and cases or other related information.

Maintains case files to assure timely preparation and service of trial Subpoenas.

Sends trial subpoenas and 3.5/6 hearing subpoenas to victims, civilians and officers.

Is the assigned Paralegal for RALJ appeals, cases that are appealed from District Court to Superior Court, while maintaining strict guidelines.

Works closely with victim/witness advocates to help ensure accurate information for witnesses and victims along with Domestic Violence victims.

Works closely with victim/witness advocates in setting up defense interviews for trial. This involves many emails and phone calls as the coordination includes many different people, including public defenders, private attorneys and witnesses.
Provides support to the attorneys, Paralegals and Victim Witness Advocates in preparing Superior Court/felony case files for hearings and trials.

Assists Paralegal II/III in organizing trial notebooks, documents and case information.

Supervisory:

None

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

May be tasked with performing related duties. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the position description, but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications

Paralegal Degree or two years of progressively responsible office experience in a court or legal environment with customer service training may substitute for the above requirements. With the approval of the Prosecuting Attorney, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties.

Requires knowledge of:

• Office practices and procedures, particularly in the criminal justice system.
• Multiple local, state and federal confidential criminal justice data bases as needed to better develop cases.
• Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Requires the ability to:

• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills are needed for sensitive communication with victims, next of kin of deceased or seriously injured victims, and parents/families of juveniles.
• Read, understand, interpret and apply more complex legal terminology, instructions, policies, procedures, legal requirements and regulations.
• Follow clearly stated oral and written instructions
• Work independently and follows through on given assignments as well as be a contributing member of the unit.
• Engage in professional interactions with others.
• Observe strict confidentiality regarding information obtained in the course of employment;
• Work independently and calmly under pressure, meet deadlines and cope with interruptions.
• Interact with all Court personnel in a cooperative and effective manner, including specialty courts, filing of documents, trial preparation and trial.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills needed for sensitive communication with victims, next of kin and parents and families of juveniles.
• Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public, law enforcement and defense counsel, often under challenging circumstances.
• Organize and perform multiple tasks to meet concurrent deadlines.
• Work without supervision to make decisions appropriate to cases and situations
• Demonstrate predictable and reliable attendance.
• Cope with reading and hearing about violent, disturbing and emotionally unsettling criminal acts and professionally interact with victims and witnesses to such acts
• Work in a high stress, complex environment.
• Operate standard office equipment including laser printers, copy machine, calculator, computer and scanner.
• Follow Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys where applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is generally performed in an office environment. Most positions involve a fast pace, with competing time demands and some interaction with dissatisfied or angry individuals. Essential tasks require typing/keyboarding skills, phone usage, reading, speaking and listening, reaching and bending. Lifting and carrying records, files and other materials weighing up to 40 pounds may be required on an occasional basis. Certain tasks may require long periods of standing or sitting. May be required to deliver items and travel to meetings.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.26 - $27.06 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $27