DA Clerical Specialist II / Paralegal at County of Penobscot in Bangor, ME, USA

Job description

• Job Title: Clerical Specialist II / Paralegal
• Hours: Full-Time (40 hours per week)
• Department: District Attorney's Office
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt (hourly)
• Reports to: Office Manager and District Attorney
• Pay Scale: $24.30 - $25.78
• Job Summary: The Clerical Specialist II / Paralegal is responsible for performing general clerical duties related to the functions and responsibilities of the Penobscot County District Attorney's Office under the general supervision of the District Attorney. The District Attorney's Office operates according to the Maine Rules of Criminal Procedures and the Clerical Specialist II / Paralegal is responsible handling new cases from police departments by entering them into the computer and maintaining the records until the case is closed. A Clerical Specialist II / Paralegal is also responsible for typing complaints, motions, correspondence, and subpoenas as needed and will supervise the discovery process to ensure appropriate discovery is provided in a timely manner and follow up on any extensive discovery request. In absence of Office Manager, the Clerical Specialist II / Paralegal assumes responsibilities of the Officer Manager.

Responsibilities

• Performs secretarial duties by typing complaints, motions, and correspondence, compiling criminal history, memoranda and briefs for District Attorneys.
• Greets and screens visitors to the office referring them to the appropriate staff members.
• Follows up on the cases by tracking them and entering new information into the computer (Justware System), and notifying the Police Officers of any new information that is needed. Reviews theft and OAS cases for appropriate sequence numbers, criminal history, possible additional charges and mandatory minimums and notifies District Attorney.
• Assures proper handling of correspondence from Attorneys or Defendants by placing them in the correct file and checking to make sure that action is taken as warranted.
• Maintains and organizes files of pending cases, filing of closed cases, and records pertinent to the operation of the Department.
• Reviews audio/visual evidence received from Law Enforcement Agencies and notifies appropriate personnel of information gathered (District Attorney, Law Enforcement Agency, DV Investigator).
• Assists attorneys, witnesses, victims, and citizens by answering any phone calls and answering questions if the answer is known or referring the caller to the person who is knowledgeable of the response.
• Researches and locates case law in criminal matters as requested.
• Assists the Department and Law Enforcement Agencies in researching and/or locating victims, witnesses and/or defendant through Spillman, Messenger, Justware and social media.
• Requests, receives and processes certified documentation for pending cases through the Courts.
• When necessary, transcribes audio files for the Department and Law Enforcement Agencies.
• Creates and maintains inventory list for the Department, updates as needed
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
• Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Follows all County and Department personnel policies.
• Fulfills job function by participating as an active member of training; participating on county task forces and performing other responsibilities as assigned.
• Performs other duties as requested by the District Attorney and the Office Manager.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required, Degree in Paralegal Studies is preferred. Five (5) years of administrate/secretarial experience is required, Two (2) years working in a law environment is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, use of Justware is preferred. Proficiency is use of all standard office equipment is required. Knowledge of the criminal justice procedures is preferred, and the ability to handle highly confidential information is required. Ability to effectively communicate with the public is required. Ability to work in a team setting with commitment to high level of customer service is required. Must be able to multi-task, prioritize and work under pressure with accuracy and alertness to meet deadlines. Selected candidate must pass a National Fingerprint Based background check, and motor vehicle background check.

Skills

Required

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Valid Maine Driver's license
• Motor vehicle background check

Preferred

• Use of Justware
• Knowledge of criminal justice procedures