What are the responsibilities and job description for the Paralegal II position at Tulare County, CA?
This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies for those County departments that have this position. The anticipated life of the employment list is six months. If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration.
Current vacancy is with the Tulare County District Attorney Office located in Visalia and Porterville.
Typical Duties
Prepare various types of legal documents, such as contracts, liens, motions, pleadings, orders, petitions, briefs, resolutions and ordinances after obtaining necessary facts and background information for review by attorney; review documents for compliance with statutes, court decisions and other legal authorities; assist attorneys in legal research; prepare reports and correspondence, and legal documents such as: drafts of resolutions, ordinances, pleadings, motions, contracts, notices, agreements of sale and lease agreements on real property transactions; interview witnesses; maintain litigation files and provide case and file management; may review escrow agreements and effect necessary modifications; prepare school bond and note documents and forms to call elections; may provide lead supervision of Paralegal I; may represent office at various administrative hearings; may appear in small claims court; may negotiate child support payments with attorneys and/or respondents; may assist attorneys on complex criminal cases.
Essential job duties may be assigned that are not listed above but are relative to this job classification. (Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.)
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.
Education: Completion of an approved legal paraprofessional training program.
Equivalency for Education: OR three (3) years of experience researching and drafting a variety of legal documents, preferably supplemented by course work in legal office practices and business law.
Experience: One (1) year of journey level experience as a Paralegal and possession of a Paralegal Certificate.
Knowledge of: Legal research methods, drafting legal documents, and opinion writing; filing procedures and legal terminology; legal ethics related to Civil or Criminal procedures; legal office practices and procedures; automated legal research methods and document preparation.
Skill/Ability to: Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers; operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment; read and analyze legal documents; collect and examine factual data; understand and apply legal principles and precedents; write accurate, concise legal documents such as motions, pleadings, demand letters, contracts, resolutions, opinions, briefs, recommendations to attorneys; explain legal actions/documents to clients in a courteous, patient, and tactful manner; research legal references; present verbal statements of fact and law; perform computerized legal research; establish effective working relations with attorneys, officials, clients, co-workers, and the general public; follow and give verbal and written instructions; operate a personal computer and related software; organize and maintain litigation files and calendars; learn and apply the practices and procedures of the work unit to which assigned.
License or Certificate: Possession of a Paralegal Certificate.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of: Collection procedures; civil litigation procedures; bail bond law; Meyers-Milias-Brown Act; property taxes; public employee discipline process; administrative law; family law; child welfare law; public employee subpoenas; civil rights; probate law, criminal law; public nuisance enforcement actions.
Skills/Ability to: Prepare complex legal documents and brief with minimal attorney supervision; direct the work of others.
Additional Information
Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
College Cost Reduction Access Act
This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Bargaining Unit 3
The information listed is a general summary of benefits. These provisions do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and are subject to change.
Benefit Amount: An annual benefit amount is provided and may be applied towards health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision and life). This benefit is pro-rated and paid on a pay period basis (24 pay periods).
Health Insurance: A choice of PPO and HMO medical plans which include PPO and HMO dental plans and include dental and vision coverage. Dependent coverage is available. Providers include Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser Permanente, Delta Dental, and Vision Services Plan (VSP).
Retirement: The retirement plan is a defined benefit plan administered pursuant to the 1937 Act County Employees Retirement Act and integrated with Social Security. In addition to ordinary retirement benefits, the plan provides disability and death benefits. Retirement contributions are made by both the County and the employee. The County has reciprocity with the State of California, contracting PERS agencies, and all County 1937 Act Retirement Systems.
Paid Holiday Leave: 12 set days and 1 personal holiday.
Vacation Accrual:
2 weeks per year (0-3 years of service)
3 weeks per year (3-7 years of service)
4 weeks per year (7-11 years of service)
5 weeks per year (11 years of service)
Limit of 300 hours.
Sick Leave Accrual: 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation, 60 hours of which may be used toward family sick leave.
Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D: $10,000; Provided by Standard Insurance Company.
Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by State Disability Insurance. The premium is paid by the employee.
Deferred Compensation: A voluntary deferred compensation plan is available.
To view more detailed descriptions of Tulare County's benefits, please view the Benefits section of our Web site at https://tularecounty.ca.gov/hrd/benefits-wellness/health-plans-active-employees/
The Provisions Of This Bulletin Do Not Constitute An Expressed Or Implied Contract And Are Subject To Change.
