What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at Franklin County, PA?
Are you a motivated, positive, service-driven individual? If so, we need to talk. We are looking for someone to assist with specialized administrative and clerical functions in a timely manner to assure efficient operation of the department, including preparation of complex litigation, forms, procedures and related duties, which includes the use of discretion, independence and judgment.
We want a self-starter who wants to make a difference and give back to their community. If that is you, contact us today!
Franklin County is a great place to live and work! Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Tuscarora mountains in South Central Pennsylvania but not far from DC, Baltimore and the beaches of the mid-Atlantic, Franklin County is one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth. We want the best people working to serve the 155,000 residents that call this beautiful area "home."
Preferably Associate Degree in business or social services. One (1) to Three (3) years working experience preferably in government, legal administration or law office, OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or training. Plus some clerical and computer training required.
FRANKLIN COUNTY
LEGAL ASSISTANT Position Description Non-Exempt
OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF JOB
To assist with specialized administrative and clerical functions in a timely manner to assure efficient operation of the department, including preparation of complex litigation, forms, procedures and related duties, which includes the use of discretion, independence and judgment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB
- Assists Attorneys with preparation of court proceedings and trial information including preparing legal opinions, briefs, memos, subpoenas and other related legal documents.
- Develops and maintains legal files and filing/tracking systems on all court cases and appeals, invoices and billings.
- Prepares court documents for court, summary appeals, non-payment hearings and other court related matters.
- Updates and logs opinions, orders and other court decisions; performs necessary docketing of cases.
- Processes a variety of legal forms, completely and accurately, to implement court orders and proceedings; composes replies to routine legal correspondence.
- Operates computer, provides input and makes adjustments to programs and data as required; Operates fax machine and other office equipment as needed.
- Acts as a liaison between the assigned department and other county agencies and/or departments.
- Interacts with other internal and external government departments, outside bureaus, agencies, courts and general public daily as needed to perform essential job duties.
- Interacts and answers inquiries from general public, lawyers, clients and other departments regarding procedures; assisting them in person or on the phone, or directs inquiries to appropriate individuals.
- Prepares arraignment schedule, weekly court schedule, sentences violations, etc. and distributes accordingly.
- Opens, screens and distributes mail appropriately.
- Assists other internal departments with correspondence and paperwork.
- Coordinates with local law enforcement agencies to gather all the necessary information and supporting documentation for criminal cases and investigations needed for case file and prosecution.
- Processes dismissal and expungement documents and a variety of forms to implement court orders as required.
- Receives and processes Right-To-Know (RTK) record requests and works with the Office of open records.
OTHER DUTIES
- Performs duties of other support staff in their absence.
- Performs other job-related duties as required.
- Attends meetings, training, seminars as required
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives limited supervision from supervisor in regard to daily work duties.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
No direct supervision
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Works in adequate work space and lighting, but with fluctuations in temperatures and ventilation.
- Works with average indoor exposure to noise and stress, but subject to frequent disruptions.
- Normal exposure to indoor dust/dirt.
- Travels occasionally when needed to perform essential functions of the job.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Must possess the ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures and follow instructions.
- Must be able to sit for long periods during the work day, with frequent standing, walking and occasional twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, grasping and reaching necessary to carry out job duties.
- Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out job duties.
- Light work, with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with weights of fifty (50) pounds, i.e. mail bins, ledgers, etc.
- Must demonstrate emotional stability.
- Must be able to cope with the physical and mental stress of the position.
- Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
QUALIFICATIONS
A. EDUCATION/TRAINING
Preferably Associate Degree in business or social services.
B. WORK EXPERIENCE
One (1) to Three (3) years working experience preferably in government, legal administration or law office, OR, any equivalent combination of experience and/or training. Plus some clerical and computer training required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner in order to carry out essential job duties. Bilingual a plus.
- Must possess effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must possess the ability to function independently, have flexibility and the ability to work effectively with judicial authorities, co-workers and others.
- Must possess the ability to maintain confidentiality in regard to defendant information and records.
- Must possess the technical knowledge of operating personal computers and other office equipment.
- Must possess a general understanding of legal terminology.
- Must possess knowledge and ability to practice correct usage of grammar and spelling.
- Must possess a general understanding of the operation and procedures of the criminal court systems.
- Must possess the ability to type from drafts clearly and accurately and within a reasonable speed.
- Must possess the ability to prepare and maintain files and reports.
- Must possess the ability to compose replies to routine correspondence.
- Must possess the knowledge and ability to assist in the preparation and assembly of legal documents.
- Must possess the ability to learn assigned clerical tasks, rules procedures and adheres to prescribe departmental functions.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
To apply for this position, please complete our online application.
Franklin County is an equal opportunity employer.
