Paralegal - Family Division

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the assigned supervisor/manager, performs a variety of clerical tasks involved in processing court cases. Activities include setting up case files, processing complaints and orders, scheduling proceedings, preparing correspondence and reports, entry of data and filing case documents. (Note this position exists in several areas of the Court so some additional information is included on the Family Division posting to describe job duties).

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Establishes case files and files case documents; includes receiving petitions and examining for accuracy and completeness, entering case information into the computer, and filing case reports and other documents.
• Family Division: Schedules delinquency, neglect and abuse, and other hearings. Prepares and issues notices and summons, appoints attorneys, and enters into court calendar.
• Family Division: Processes assignment of attorneys to represent youths requesting legal representation in accordance with court assigned counsel policy.
• Reviews case files prior to court hearings; ensures summonses have been served and files are complete and ready for court proceedings.
• Provides information via telephone and at the counter to parties, parents, youths, attorneys and the public regarding case status, scheduled proceedings, court policies and procedures and related matters.
• Types and processes orders following court proceedings. Enters case dispositions into the computer.
• Assists in training coworkers on daily tasks associated with work assignments as needed.
• Prepares and processes bench warrants and/or writs of apprehensions, send warrants/writs to appropriate agencies and recalls when required.
• Prepares correspondence, memos, reports and letters for court staff from machine dictation and longhand drafts.
• Family Division: May receive billings from court appointed attorneys, verify accuracy, log billings and submit billings for payment.
• May record court proceedings or assist in courtroom for hearing official.
• May perform a variety of other tasks, such as assisting in the drawing and sequestering of jurors, closing case files, and other related tasks.
• Works in other areas of the court as directed.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of experience in an office or clerical environment, preferably in a court or closely related setting.
• High school diploma required, some college or Associates degree preferred.
• Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets.
• Inter-personal skills necessary to provide courteous and accurate information in responses to the public.
• Highly organized with strong record keeping experience.
• Proficient in the use of the English language including grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to handle simultaneous projects requiring concentration and attention to detail with frequent distractions due to people and/or telephone calls.
• Ability to handle pressures related to meeting deadlines and fulfilling scheduling requirements.

Calhoun County's benefits package offers flexibility, choice, and value. It is an attractive component of our employees total compensation package. At Calhoun County, we know that good benefit plans are important to employees and their families. We're committed to providing employees with access to a wide range of information and tools so they can stay informed and make the most of their Calhoun County flexible benefit package.

What benefits does Calhoun County offer its full-time employees?

Medical: Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan with 3 Different Flexible Benefit Plan Options
Dental: 100% Employer Paid through Delta Dental
Vision: 100% Employer Paid through BCBSM Vision Services Plan (VSP)
Employee Health & Wellness Center (Premise Health): Most Services 100% Employer Paid
Life Insurance: 100% Employer Paid for Basic Life & AD&D
Short Term Disability: 100% Employer Paid for 67% Wage Loss Benefits up to 26 Weeks
Retirement: Employer 401(k) Match Program Up to 7% of Employee Contribution
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 100% Employer Paid Through Bronson HelpNet
Benefit Guide: Find detailed information about the benefits package (Download PDF reader)

• Start through fourth years – 168 Hours (4.2 weeks based on 40-hour work week)
• Fifth through ninth years – 208 Hours (5.2 weeks)
• Tenth through fourteenth years – 248 Hours (6.2 weeks)
• Fifteen and Subsequent years – 288 Hours (7.2 weeks)

Amounts & distribution may vary slightly by union contract, policy, and/or defined work week

Paid Holidays: 14 Paid Holidays Throughout the Year

Additional Voluntary Benefits:
Flexible Scheduling & Telecommuting Options Depending on Position & Department
Term Life Insurance (above Employer Paid Plan)
Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
Long Term Disability Wage Loss Benefits
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Employee Wellness Program
Perks Program (discounts at local merchants for being a County employee)

Part-time Employees may elect insurance, provided the Employee pays the full cost of the premium through payroll deduction.