Paralegal-Criminal Department (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) - Spokane County

Paralegal-Criminal Department (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/spokanecountywa/jobs/newprint/4691746) Apply ? Paralegal-Criminal Department (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL) Salary $46,645.40 - $65,330.87 Annually Location WA 99260, WA Job Type Regular Job Number 24-00230 Department Prosecuting Attorney Opening Date 10/11/2024 Closing Date Continuous FLSA Non-Exempt + Description + Benefits + Questions Job Summary This position works 37.5 hours per week. This position is responsible for creating and drafting various legal documents for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, or Counsel for Defense and assisting Attorneys in pretrial preparation, trials, public hearings, meetings, or arbitrations. The position allocated to this class must exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, display a professional attitude and deal effectively with potentially difficult clients and sensitive subjects. An understanding of the criminal justice system is essential along with an understanding of individual's constitutional rights. Though word processing/computer skills are utilized, this is not a secretarial type position but requires an ability to maintain attorney files, court and interview schedules and case preparation with minimal supervision from attorney staff. This classification differs from Paralegal 1 in level of supervision and complexity of assignment. TOTAL COMPENSATION: $57,967 - $81,187 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices. Examples of Duties + Researches case law and assists with trial brief to support case. + Reviews pre-trial motions and requests for discovery from defense attorneys, prepares responses, and tracks responses. + Prepares instructions for submittal to the court. + Edits and proofreads briefs and legal memos. + Files agreed orders after completed. + Assists in drafting legal documents under supervision of an attorney. + Operates word processing and data base systems as required. + Converses with police, corrections officers, agencies, witnesses, victims as directed to obtain pertinent facts. + Interprets legal documents and explains legal procedures to victims, witnesses, and others. + Assists attorneys with tasks as necessary for trial. + Performs other related duties as required/assigned. Prosecutor + Assists school districts and schools with filing of truancy petitions and answering questions; and assists prosecuting attorney in Truancy court. + Proofs, edits, drafts, and finalizes various pleadings, motions, and responses. + Orders office supplies, and submits IT Help Desk tickets, as needed. Minimum Requirements + Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Paralegal Studies or possession of a Certificate showing completion of paralegal studies. + One (1) year of experience in a position, such as a paralegal, with a criminal justice agency or law firm requiring legal research and related job duties. + Experience in a position with a criminal justice agency or law firm requiring legal research and related job duties, may be substituted, year for year, for education. + Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment. Selection Factors + Knowledge of legal terminology, legal and regulatory requirements, procedures and standard content of documents (including document formatting per court rules) and records as required by the position. + Knowledge of general legal office practices and procedures. + Knowledge of business English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; word processing, database and presentation applications, including the knowledge of macros. + Knowledge of the operation of general office equipment such as copiers, faxes, telephones, personal computers. + Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. + Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials, and the general public. + Ability to accurately keyboard a minimum of 50 words per minute. + Ability to deal appropriately with sensitive and/or potentially volatile situations. + Ability to resolve conflict and problem solve using confidentiality, discretion, patience, empathy and professionalism. + Ability to understand and apply legal guidelines and regulations to varied operational requirements. + Ability to prepare legal documents and correspondence using appropriate formatting, terminology and references. + Ability to maintain confidentiality. + Ability to accurately complete work within established timeframes. + Ability to adhere to prescribed office routines, policies, procedures and directions. + Ability to maintain a professional personal appearance and courteous attitude toward the public and fellow employees. SPOKANE COUNTY Employee Benefits Summary The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change. PAID TIME OFF Spokane County Observed Holidays Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County. PTO Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years. Vacation For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language). Sick Leave Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated. Other Leaves Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave. INSURANCE BENEFITS Medical Insurance Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month). 2024 Rates: Premera Employee Only: $38.04 per month Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month Employee & Family: $209.60 per month Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month Kaiser: Employee: $35.92 per month Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month Employee & Family: $196.06 per month Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month Dental Insurance Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. 2024 Rates: Delta Dental Willamette Dental Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month Group Life Insurance The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County. Long Term Disability Coverage Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability. RETIREMENT Retirement Plan (401a) Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement. Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b) Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan. VOLUNTARY BENEFITS AFLAC Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium. Travel Assistance Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County. Flexible Spending Plan (FSA) Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA. Voluntary Term Life Insurance Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed. WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS Employee Assistance Program Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns. Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month. Wellness Programs There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction. Discounts There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees. 01 Please check the box that applies to your current Union status (if you are not a current Spokane County employee, please select "None of the above apply"). + I am in the open position's department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement + I am in another department and my position is covered by the 1553 collective bargaining agreement + I am in a position covered by the Master Contract collective bargaining agreement (not 1553) + I am in a position covered by another collective bargaining agreement (not 1553 or Master Contract) + None of the above apply Required Question Agency Spokane County Address 824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260 Phone 509-477-5750 Website http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment