What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal position at Chaffee County, Colorado?

Live and play in beautiful Chaffee County! Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Chaffee County offers an exceptional lifestyle that blends natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a tight-knit community.

Chaffee County Attorney's Office seeks a Paralegal with at least 3 years of progressively responsible Legal Secretary or Paralegal experience. The Paralegal will provide support to the County Attorney's Office. This is a full-time (40 hours / week) position working onsite in Salida, Colorado. We offer a 4-day work week, Monday - Thursday. County employees benefit from a 3-day weekend that enables them to enjoy all the area has to offer, including the abundant arts and culture, as well as hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, and more!

TO APPLY APPLICANTS MUST OBTAIN, COMPLETE, AND SUBMIT A CHAFFEE COUNTY GENERAL EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION to careers@chaffeecounty.org. The application for employment can be accessed at PLEASE NOTE THAT THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL A COUNTY APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.

POSITION SUMMARY :

Under minimal work direction, the Paralegal performs a variety of complex administrative duties in support of attorney functions, including : preparing and assisting in the completion of legal documents and correspondence; assisting in preparing for hearings and trials; researching legal issues; acting as contract administrator for the legal department; performing various fiscal functions; supports child protection, adult protection, child support enforcement, welfare fraud investigation, and civil cases; maintaining legal files and providing other support to the County Attorney and Assistant County Attorneys.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES :

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. The County reserves the right to modify, change or add duties or essential functions of this job at any time, with or without advance notice.

Prepares memoranda, resolutions, ordinances, leases, contracts, affidavits, pleadings and other court and administrative filings and other legal documents as required by the County Attorney or Assistant County Attorneys in a variety of civil matters including child protection, adult protection, child support enforcement and civil proceedings.
Obtains signatures and notarizes legal documents as required. Produces and distributes documents as necessary. Ensures proper service of parties according to statute. Files (including e-filing) documents as required or as requested by the County Attorney or Assistant County Attorney.
Composes general correspondence and routine litigation correspondence.
Researches County and other records and performs other special projects as requested.
Conducts basic legal research under the supervision of the County Attorney or Assistant County Attorney, using regulations, statutes, case law and Lexis / Nexis, Westlaw or similar services, including cite checking and Shepardization. Prepares memoranda of findings.
Conducts basic land title research, drafts real estate contracts and related documents, and supervises and coordinates County real estate transactions.
Attends and assists in court proceedings or administrative hearings such as public hearings, public meetings, motion hearings, trials, and child protection / adult protection / child support enforcement docket.
Checks written materials for accuracy and conformance to policies and standards.
Review and cite check briefs and motions to determine proper citation format.
Handles document production including obtaining, organizing, numbering, tracking, reviewing, redacting, and indexing documents, and preparing document and privilege logs.
Monitors existing and proposed legislation on issues relating to the County and makes recommendations as to potential impacts of such legislation on the County.
Assists with hearing and trial preparation. Organizes case files, secures and organizes exhibits, prepares trial notebooks, and schedules witnesses as requested.
Maintains litigation and administrative filing systems and records.
Maintains calendar of court appearances, filing dates, expiration dates, and other deadlines for themselves, the County Attorney, and Assistant County Attorney in matters other than Human Services matters.
Evaluates and assists in responding to Open Records Act requests.
Checks legal status of entities with whom County contracts.
Maintains contracts spreadsheet.
Prepares legal department monthly time reports.
Orders supplies for legal department.
Shreds confidential documents.
Screens incoming telephone calls; responds to telephone and walk-in inquiries from County personnel and the general public in a courteous and professional manner; processes incoming and outgoing mail.
Regular and predictable in-person attendance is required.
Maintains detailed time records in electronic timekeeping system.
Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES :

Knowledge of County government operations.

Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research methodology.

Knowledge of procedures used in preparing legal documents.

Excellent grammar and legal writing skills.

Ability to handle confidential material appropriately.

Ability to read and understand written materials and compose information / instruction in written form.

Ability to understand and apply organizational theories and practices in the administration of policies, practices, programs, and communications.

Ability to remember schedules, programs, policies and other details, and apply good time management and organization skills.

Applies effective written and oral communication skills.

Professional, courteous communication and presentation of information to department heads, elected officials and other county employees, court personnel, attorneys and staff, government officials, vendors and general public.

Ability to conceptualize and apply analytical skills.

Ability to apply problem solving skills in developing solutions for unanticipated issues and challenges.

Ability to perform standard business arithmetic.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, attorneys, government officials, representatives of the court system and the general public.

Ability to read and interpret complex written material; analyze and evaluate data and formulate conclusions and / or alternatives and develop effective recommendations.

Ability to work with other people taking into consideration, among the dynamics, their needs, their personal styles, and the requirements of their jobs.

Ability to handle interruptions smoothly.

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Working knowledge of computer software such as Microsoft Suite and Google Suite

Operate standard office equipment such as computer, printer, fax, phone, etc.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload.

Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE :

High school diploma or equivalent

Specialized training as a Legal Secretary or Paralegal

3 years of progressively responsible legal secretarial or Paralegal experience or, a combination of education, training, and experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Must be able to sit for long periods, pull and / or lift up to 10 pounds occasionally.

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and setting.

Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.

Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.

Lift, carry, push, and / or pull light to moderate amounts of weight.

Repetitive hand movements and fine coordination.

Travel to other locations using various modes of private and commercial transportation.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :

Work is performed in a typical office environment. The employee may be exposed to noise, mechanical and electrical, and other related hazards associated with an office environment. Must work accurately under court or other imposed time constraints.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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