Assistant Family Law Facilitator

The Position: 

Under general supervision, the Assistant Family Law Facilitator will be responsible for daily assistance and services under the direction of the Self-Help Family Law Facilitator/Managing Attorney including providing legal information to eligible self-represented litigants in Superior Court in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations and court policies; provides legal support and guidance to Legal Assistants and unit staff; manages, leads and oversees administrative functions and activities of the Self Help Assistance and Referral Program (SHARP) and assistance to Court employees and the general public regarding policies and procedures; and performs related tasks as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

These functions are intended as a general illustration of the work performed in this job classification and are not all inclusive for this position. Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Assists with training program staff in the processes, procedures, terminology and document preparation necessary for program operations 
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures
• Assists self-represented litigants, in a workshop environment, in person, via video conference, or by telephone, with family or civil law issues
• Provides educational materials to parents regarding the process of establishing parentage and establishes, modifies and enforces child and spousal support in the courts
• Distributes necessary court forms and voluntary declarations of paternity, helps complete forms and provides assistance to litigants with document assembly programs on SHARP computers
• Provides assistance on child support issues; assists judicial officers with child support calculations; prepares support schedules based on statutory guidelines; mediates child support issues with self-represented litigants; explains child support calculations; instructs parties for further action required
• Provides referrals to the local child support agencies, Family Court Services and other community agencies and resources that provide services for parents and children
• Facilitates informal agreements between self-represented parties on issues of spousal support  
• Assists with drafting stipulations agreed to by all parties 
• Prepares orders after hearing and judgments; and performs general administrative duties as required, including, but not limited to, compiling data; completing and processing various forms; creating databases and charts; composing, preparing, maintaining and/or processing a variety of records, reports, etc.
• Reviews paperwork, examines documents and performs other duties at the direction of the Family Law Facilitator/Managing Attorney.

Knowledge of:

• Relevant federal and state family laws and regulations
• Trial and hearing procedures, and rules of evidence
• State and Local rules of court relevant to family law and civil matters; and
• Family law computer programs

Skill to:

• Read and understand complex legal information, procedures and forms
• Analyze a variety of information, relate it to the law and reach decisions
• Effectively use relevant computer applications and word processing software
• Interpret and apply statistical information related to the program
• Set priorities and complete projects in a timely manner
• Communicate effectively both orally and in written form
• Remain patient, calm and professional while working with individuals who are in highly stressful situations

Ability to: 

• Work well with others as well as work independently 
• Have the ability to handle multiple demands and deadlines 
• Have a good understanding of court procedures
• Effectively explain legal concepts, issues and procedures to self-represented litigants who may have little or no knowledge of the law
• Be attentive to detail and maintain accurate and neat records 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude; and 
• Possess good interpersonal and oral communication skills.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS 

Required Qualifications:

• Possession of a juris doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active licensure by the State Bar of California in good standing. 

Desirable Qualifications:

• Three (3) years’ experience as a practicing attorney with experience in family law, or providing self-help or legal aid services.
• Law courses taken and successfully completed in the areas of family law and California community property law. 
• Experience providing legal services to underserved communities or aiding self-represented litigants. 
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Additional Requirements:

• Passage of a background check.
• Travel to/from court locations in Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS 

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  However, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.  Reasonable accommodations may be available to a qualified individual with a disability that will enable him/her to perform the essential functions of the Assistant Family Law Facilitator classification. Ability to sit for extended periods of time; dexterity and coordination to handle files and single pieces of paper; frequent lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling of objects weighing up to 50 pounds; strength, dexterity and coordination and/or ability to use a computer keyboard and read a video display terminal on a daily basis; vision which can be corrected to a level sufficient to read handwritten, typed and computer generated information and data; hearing and speech ability sufficient to enable communication by telephone and in-person; ability to frequently reach for and/or twist for items above and below desk level, sometimes with the assistance of a ladder or stepstool; frequently moves from place to place within the office; frequently walks short distances; and vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus to enable incumbent to decipher color coded files, forms, complete data entry and read operating instructions and procedures.  

Work Environment: While performing the responsibilities of the Assistant Family Law Facilitator, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment an employee will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.   Work is performed in an office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt, or dust.  The incumbent's working conditions are typically quiet but may be loud at times at some locations.  The noise level and traffic level in the work environment are similar to a busy office. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.  Travel to visit other branches within the county and travel to attend professional meetings and trainings in and outside of the county may be required on a frequent basis.

Salary : $89,759 - $109,103