Legal Secretary 2

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Legal Secretary 2

Salary

$39,867.60 - $55,805.40 Annually

Location

WA 99260, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

24-00166

Department

Prosecuting Attorney

Opening Date

07/09/2024

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Summary

This position works 37.5 hours per week.

NOTE: THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL UP TO FOUR (4) VACANCIES.

The position allocated to this classification performs responsible and varied technical legal support activities for attorneys, judges and court commissioners. Positions are generally responsible for word processing of complex legal documents, public contact involving communicating legal information and responding to questions, reading correspondence and independently composing responses and other technical clerical support work in a legal office environment. Performance of duties requires considerable knowledge of legal terminology, and the process and procedures of the assigned department/division. This class is distinguished from the Legal Secretary 1 classification by a greater variety and complexity of duties, with an emphasis on the technical aspects of procedural law, department policy, court procedures and status of cases in progress. The Legal Secretary 2 exercises a higher level of initiative, independence, discretion and judgment in applying general guidelines to work situations, and/or determining detailed procedures for carrying out assignments and/or the flow and completion of assigned work within a section or unit. Supervision provided to this class is of a general nature, allowing considerable latitude for completing assignments. This class is distinguished from the Administrative Support Specialist series by the performance of technical legal clerical support work in a legal office environment and is distinguished from the Paralegal classification by focusing on procedural or administrative support work versus the Paralegal’s emphasis on research, analysis and/or direct involvement with case and trial preparation.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $51,031 - $71,432 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.

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Examples of Duties

• Researches, establishes, maintains, codes, modifies, tracks and/or retrieves information and compiles data that may require information searches through legal files, contracts, records, microfilm or computer files including customized database applications; enters, obtains and/or verifies information obtained from legal documents following established clearly defined methods and court rules.

• Enters and retrieves case information using appropriate computer based data system; prepares reports requiring the extraction of database information.

• Performs counter and/or phone work providing information to the public; advising attorneys and other interested parties regarding the status of cases and legal procedures while maintaining security and confidentiality.

• Maintains legal files and case controls; extracts information from files; prepares legal forms and papers, prepares and reviews files; encodes or enters information into database for court dates and/or attorney records; processes and distributes court case files; provides electronic discovery reports and electronic media to opposing attorneys in a timely manner

• Researches, prepares and generates complex legal documents such as office forms, filings, briefs, motions, subpoenas, pleadings, sentencing paperwork, summons, arraignment letters, warrants, jury instructions, correspondence, reports and memorandum from minimal instructions and in support of assigned attorneys or judges; secures appropriate signatures, cause numbers and authorizations and mails or routes as designated.

• May prepare transcripts for higher level courts.

• Reviews files, case documents, and affidavits to detect completeness, timeliness and errors and provides information to attorneys; may research case files and prepare proposed court orders, including bond forfeiture orders; prepares jury instructions from drafts or research into similar cases.

• Enters and retrieves case information using appropriate computer based data system; prepares reports requiring the extraction of database information.

• May obtain and provide standardized information to/from parties; monitor and review status of cases; maintain contact with parties, attorneys and other individual and agencies concerned with specific cases.

• Assists attorneys in obtaining photos and/or evidence required for trial.

• Researches and calculates the number of probation violations/orders a defendant has had in order to determine the amount of sanction time.

• Prepare orders to include sanction days, violations and credit for time served.

• Prepares and/or files legal documents with clerks of the court or electronically as authorized; obtains required signatures and authorizations; where applicable, copies and/or delivers documents to the appropriate party(ies); maintains case files and records dates on which subsequent actions must occur.

• Maintains up to date calendaring information on individual cases to assist the attorneys in maintaining an accurate calendar of court hearings, witness interviews, client appointments, etc. Keeps the department database current with upcoming information on individual cases to assist the attorneys in maintaining an accurate court calendar.

• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Counsel for Defense (in addition to the general job functions listed above)

• Assists in preparation of department’s annual budget, assists with bi-weekly payroll entries, and accounts payable.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Three (3) years of administrative support experience, including one (1) year of legal support work in a law office or legal environment.

• A comparable amount of related coursework may be substituted for the required work experience.

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.

• Skilled in the use of personal computers and software needed to perform the job assignments.

• Skilled in digital document storage and transfer.

• 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 complex 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 "I am not a Union member").

• 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