Court Assistance Officer

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The part-time Court Assistance Officer works directly for the Elected Clerk of the District Court. This employee will work directly and in conjunction with the Sixth District Court Assistance Officer to provide self-represented litigants access to the courts.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

The incumbent is expected to be self-motivated, exercise independent judgment and discretion. Polish, an even-handed temperament, and a willingness to take on matters are required of this position. Highly developed interpersonal skills are necessary to successfully communicate issues with office personnel, peers within the District 6 counties, elected officials, the judiciary, public and self-represented litigants as they navigate the complexity of the Idaho Court System.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Develops and assists with implementation of district wide court assistance office policy and procedures;

· Power County Part-Time Court Assistance Officer/Deputy Clerk;

· Participate in initial and ongoing training on providing access to the courts, best practices for court assistance officers, form and rule updates, and customer service;

· Provide Court Assistance Office support to Sixth District counties and to ensure compliance with established state and local policy;

· Reports to the Power County Elected Clerk and Sixth District Court Assistance Officer;

· Makes appropriate referrals for legal services;

· Assists citizens with general questions about specific legal procedures and information;

· Provides citizens with a selection of Idaho Supreme Court approved legal forms;

· Provides educational material such as videos, brochures, forms or interactive computer programs to assist and educate self-represented litigants in the court process;

· Responds to court related and legal services questions by phone, mail, e-mail, or in person;

· Checks information contained on forms for completeness;

· Provides information on court related processes;

· At the direction of the Sixth District Court Assistance Officer, creates and/or maintains statistical data of all patrons served and services provided and reports;

· Provides correspondence to prisoners when they send mail to the court system after consulting with judges when necessary;

· Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices and guidelines provided by the Sixth Judicial District and the Administrative Office of the Courts.

· Other related duties as directed by the Elected Clerk

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of:

· Court related processes, procedures and systems;

· Legal forms and processes:

· Customer service practices and techniques;

· Available programs for legal assistance;

· Principles and practices of court and legal services and legal research;

· Computer software and general applications:

· State statutes and Court guidelines and rules of civil procedure.

· Software and technology to support remote customer service. to create workshops, education, provide and track statistical information, create forms, pamphlets, etc.

Ability to:

· Provide excellent customer service;

· Follow written and oral instructions;

· Analyze specific situations to provide effective and appropriate paralegal services or referrals to legal assistance;

· Refer citizens to appropriate educational material;

· Perform legal research and understand legal terminology, processes and procedures;

· Operate standard office equipment including a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties;

· Draft clear written communication with patrons and/or service providers regarding legal pleadings and/or services as directed by court personnel;

· Communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, customers, legal and court employees, and other employees;

· Coordinate and communicate virtually.

Acceptable Experience and Training:

· High school graduate or GED equivalent, supplemented by Associates degree in Paralegal Studies is preferred; and

· Five (5) years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in family law: or

· Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Essential Physical Abilities:

· Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, use a telephone, and communicate with others;

· Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and review. evaluate, and prepare and review a variety of written documents, legal forms and other materials;

· Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate standard office equipment and computer systems;

· Sufficient personal flexibility, mobility, strength. and agility, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in an office environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

· The principal duties of this class are performed in an office environment, with primary remote access under the direction of the Elected Clerk and supervision of the Sixth District Court Assistance Officer;

· May be required to lift up to 20 lbs.;

· Requires sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to permit the employee to function in a general office environment and accomplish tasks.

Job Type: Part-time

Expected hours: No more than 19.5 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Experience:

• Court Related: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• American Falls, ID 83211 (Required)

Work Location: In person