Legal Assistant

Overview

This position will support the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, DAS-Administrative Services, Office of Hearings and Appeals, Probate Hearings Division by providing administrative and legal‑focused assistance to process backlogged Indian probate cases.

• Receive and transfer telephone calls, answer basic and routine questions and inquiries from interested parties; prepare and send faxes and electronic mail and prepare and review time and attendance records. (20%)
• Process all incoming mail, including correspondence from parties or attorneys, return mail from notices and decisions, and additional document submissions from agencies or other parties; copy, mail, and scan relevant documents. (20%)
• Review incoming probate case material to ensure it is current and complete; maintain case files from initial filing to completion, correctly input data into the docketing system on a timely basis, and search various system records when additional information is required; maintain complete and orderly files in a manner that expedites retrieval and ensures record and privacy requirements are followed. (30%)
• Use online legal, tracking, or other resources and databases to obtain information; retrieve and input data into electronic docketing systems; perform administrative duties using electronic databases, systems, and software. (20%)
• Review outgoing decisions, notices, and other documents for grammatical and spelling errors. (5%)
• Coordinate travel arrangements, prepare travel authorizations, and prepare vouchers in a timely manner. (5%)
• Arrange facilities for conferences and hearings, and prepare presentation material or background documentation. (5%)
• Responsible for ordering and maintaining adequate supply inventories, tracking property, and ensuring equipment such as copiers, faxes, and shredders are maintained in good working order and in accordance with requirements. (15%)

• Must be 55 years or older.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an administrative office environment or an AA degree.
• Experience sorting, categorizing, and distributing mail, and filing electronic and paper records; proficiency in common software to produce reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, and calendar management; familiarity with entering data into databases.
• Superior customer service skills and attention to detail; familiarity with arranging travel via online systems; and payroll or timekeeping experience.
• Experience with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Teams, and MS Outlook.

Physical requirements:

Job is primarily sedentary and performed in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Duration:
This position is funded for up to 1456 total hours.

Hours:

28 hours/week.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.