Special Counsel Legal Assistant

Agency Indigent Defense Services Division Special Counsel Job Classification

Title:

Special Counsel Legal Assistant (S) – Position Number , Grade

The Office of Indigent Defense Services seeks a legal assistant to provide clerical and secretarial support to the Office of Special Counsel in Raleigh, North Carolina. The successful candidate will join an office with four attorneys and three additional support staff.

This position is located in an office that provides legal representation to individuals subject to civil commitment proceedings in Wake County, North Carolina. The office is located on the former Dorothea Dix Hospital campus. Work hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

• E‑filing through the eCourts system.
• Setting up and maintaining records for court dispositions.
• Managing court documents.
• Retrieving IVC papers from email through the e‑file system.
• Setting up and maintaining client files, and administrative records.
• Filing, copying, and retrieving materials and ordering office supplies.
• Answering office telephone calls and documenting messages to speak to Special Counsel.
• Entering client data into a Microsoft Access database of client records and preparing statistical reports required by the Office of Special Counsel and by Indigent Defense Services.
• Communicating with staff in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court, the Attorney General's Office, and facility personnel including private counsel for four Wake County inpatient psychiatric facilities.

• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures; NCGS Chapter 122C admissions requirements for involuntary and voluntary patients; rules pertaining to the confidentiality of client information; general knowledge of the role and mission of Special Counsel’s Office and its relationship to the treatment facilities, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Clerk of Superior Court’s office.
• Skills in operating computers, printers, copiers, telephones, fax machines and other office equipment;
  Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; and effectively communicating both orally and in writing.
• Abilities to learn specific rules and State Regulations relating to verifying, processing, and maintaining office records and documents; communicate effectively with the Clerk of Superior Court’s office, the Attorney General’s office, and staff at the four facilities to ensure accuracy of the court calendar; communicate effectively with clients who call the office; learn legal terminology, formats for orders, subpoenas, and other legal documents;
  
  and provide basic information and instructions regarding programs or office procedures to clients, attorneys and other court officials.
• Ability to learn new software systems including databases.

Graduation from high school and two (2) years of legal secretarial experience.

• Management prefers candidates with two (2) years of experience as a processing assistant in psychiatric hospital admissions; and or two (2) years of psychiatric hospital Medical Records processing experience related to civil commitment court proceedings; and/or two (2) years as a HCT in a psychiatric facility; in addition, management prefers the applicant have documented experience interacting with individuals subject to the civil commitment process;
  
  or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Candidates who are proficient with Microsoft Access preferred.

$39,731.00-$65,273.00

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts Human Resources Division
Email:
Human Resources