Special Counsel Legal Assistant

Special Counsel Legal Assistant (S)

SALARY RANGE: $39,731.00 - $65,273.00

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.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.

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.

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, to the Attorney General's Office, and to 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. Ability 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. Also, the ability to learn new software systems including databases.

Applicants must complete an on-line application. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings. It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit.

Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications. Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The North Carolina Judicial Branch participates in E-Verify, an internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from the US Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

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.

Attach cover letter and résumé.

EEO Statement:
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…