Paralegal - Family Division at Calhoun… · Justice…

Summary

Under the supervision of the assigned department unit managers within the Circuit Court, the Office Assistant/Paralegal performs a variety of legal clerical tasks involved in processing court cases. Job responsibilities may include setting up case files, processing legal documents, scheduling appointments and hearings, preparing correspondence, notice, and reports, data entry, and filing documents with the court clerk. Office Assistants/Paralegals are part of a large clerical support system within the Circuit Court. Specific job assignments for Office Assistants/Paralegals may be changed periodically to match the needs of the Court. The Office Assistant/Paralegal job description includes tasks that may be part of any job assignment, but each department assignment has a unique set of tasks. During the interview process, candidates will be informed of the open unit positions being filled.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Establishes case files and files case documents; includes receiving petitions and examining for accuracy and completeness, entering case information into the case management system, and filing case reports and other documents.
2. Schedules, prepares, and processes appointments, notices, and/or hearings.
3. Prepares and issues notices and summons, appoints attorneys, and enters into court calendar.
4. Ensures legal service of process, completed case reports and proper notice prior to scheduled hearings.
5. Provides and collects information to/from coworkers, parties, parents, youth, attorneys, and the public regarding case status, scheduled proceedings, court policies and procedures, and related matters.
6. Prepares and processes legal documents before and after court proceedings. Enters case or financial dispositions into case management system. Schedules for the next event.
7. For Friend of the Court assignments – may assist with location of individuals for establishment or enforcement, DNA testing, child support calculations with approved software.
8. Prepares and processes bench warrants, warrant recalls, writs of apprehension, validates warrants in L.E.I.N when required.
9. Prepares correspondence or financial documentation, memos, notices, reports, or letters for Court staff.
10. Enters and modifies case financial information per court order.
11. May record court proceedings or assist in courtroom with judge or referee.
12. May perform a variety of other tasks, such as jury operations, case file and document management, and other related tasks.

Employees of Calhoun County Friend of the Court must submit to pre-employment fingerprinting and criminal history screening to determine eligibility to access federal tax information pursuant to IRS requirements.

Job Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; some college, associate degree, or Paralegal degree preferred.
• Two years experience in an office or clerical environment in a court or closely related setting preferred. Customer service and sales experience also considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, desire to problem solve, improve processes, learn new computer software, personally engage with the public and co-workers both in person and electronically, interest in legal proceedings, desire to provide courteous accurate information to inquiries regarding court services.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Working Conditions

Hybrid Work Classification: Hybrid Eligible after probationary period
Flexibility Classification: Fixed Schedule

• Largely sedentary role with extensive computer work
• Frequent work with the public and customers