Caseworker - Public Defender

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE

The Caseworker I - Public Defender is a legal secretary position that assists attorneys in the preparation of criminal or civil cases. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Consult with and assist attorneys in case preparation, investigation, and research which includes but is not limited to obtaining prior convictions, other legal documents, and resolutions and locate defendants or other parties of interest in or out of state whether uncooperative but essential witnesses.
• Prepares reports, records, and statistics on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis as requested or needed.
• Develops, maintains, and revises inter-office forms or templates.
• Reviews and resolves older physical criminal case files for destruction or storage.
• Prepares memorandums, correspondence, letters, and a variety of legal documents for service or filing.
• Prepares files by entering incoming data and documents. Ensures accurate preparation by reviewing, proofreading, and filing court documents; obtaining correct affidavits; mailing certified documents, and monitoring filing timelines. Also, checks if files include information regarding witnesses, experts, and evidence for the attorney; submits to the appropriate court if needed.
• Prepares out-of-state witness process for uncooperative, essential witnesses for felony and gross misdemeanor proceedings.
• Answers telephone. Takes messages or transfers to the appropriate party.
• Calendars court hearings, meetings, and appointments.
• Ensures that all Public Defender’s staff comply with Elko County Policies and Department Procedures and the Nevada Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Communicates tactfully, both orally and in writing, with co-workers and the public. Communicates information clearly and concisely. This requires having an accurate knowledge of outside agencies and appropriate contacts.
• Ensures all computer and file information is accurate and available for statistical analysis upon entering full dispositions on closed cases. Responsible for removable physical files from the open filing system and refiling in the closed system.
• Makes and confirms travel reservations for witnesses and calculates the amount of compensation checks to be present upon their arrival.
• Works on other legal secretary’s cases in the event of their absence or need for assistance.
• Reviews criminal files to ensure that all necessary witnesses and evidence are in court at the time of the relevant hearing or trial. Also monitors statutory and local court rule requirements for deadlines.
• Updates supervisor on status of regular work assignments and other projects.
• Regular and punctual attendance is required.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities

An employee in this position must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

• Criminal and Civil functions and policies of the Public Defender’s office.
• Knowledge of Revised Statutes as they apply to criminal and civil cases.
• Knowledge of Nevada criminal law and how the criminal justice system works.
• Knowledge of the Interstate Detainer and Extradition Act.
• Related outside agencies, other County departments, and their function in relation to the Public Defender’s office.
• Knowledge of legal documents and legal terminology.
• Computer applications related to the work, including case management software programs.
• Knowledge of juvenile dependency and juvenile delinquency cases.
• Knowledge of related outside agencies.
• Working knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and regulations.
• Working knowledge and correct usage of business English including spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and formats.
• Working knowledge of business correspondence formats, record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques.
• Working knowledge of personal computer hardware and software including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases for the purposes of creating, editing, and distributing information.
• Thorough knowledge of all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, county ordinances and regulations, department rules and regulations, and relevant court rulings.

• Demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills especially in dealing with the public.
• Interpreting legal documents and determining how they apply to various cases.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Understanding and carrying out complex written and oral communications.
• Managing time effectively.
• Typing with speed and accuracy.
• Making and verifying arithmetical computations with accuracy and speed.
• Using the tools and equipment listed below.

• Ability to respect and empathize with people accused of crimes or other wrongdoing.
• Arranging for interpreters as needed for hearings and appointments and tracking dates as needed.
• Communicate with staff concerning…