Note: This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.
Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Job Type:
RegularPay Range:
$25.28 - $30.71 HourlyDepartment:
District AttorneyFLSA Exemption Status:
Non-ExemptAbout the Opportunity:
The Legal Specialist I – Receptionist serves as the first point of contact for the District Attorney’s Office, providing high quality customer service to the public, law enforcement partners, attorneys, and internal staff. This position supports the Office by receiving and directing visitors and calls, processing and distributing legal documents and correspondence, and offering entry-level legal administrative support in a fast paced environment with frequent interruptions. The role requires clear communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Key responsibilities include:
• Greeting and assisting in person visitors and callers, including answering questions about procedures, case information, and trial schedules.
• Receiving, distributing, and tracking legal documents and correspondence such as subpoenas, warrants, discovery requests, and schedule notifications.
• Preparing and sending Early Case Resolution (ECR) discovery packets and monitoring case assignment conflicts.
• Calculating discovery fees, preparing witness fee vouchers, and handling petty cash transactions.
• Supporting a positive, team oriented work environment aligned with our mission of seeking justice and protecting our community.
Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with the public, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, attorneys, and diverse community members.
• Knowledge of legal office practices, criminal justice processes, and common legal terminology, forms, and documents.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage frequent interruptions, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Skill in using office technology, including legal case management software, Microsoft Office applications, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, tact, and sound judgment.
• Basic math and financial handling skills. Used for calculating discovery fees, preparing witness fee vouchers, and managing petty cash.
• A team oriented approach and commitment to supporting an inclusive and professional workplace.
• Fluency in Spanish (oral and written) and the ability to provide bilingual customer service to community members, victims, witnesses, and justice partners is preferred.
To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Legal Specialist I Class Spec Link
About the Department/Division:
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for upholding public safety and justice by prosecuting criminal cases, supporting victims, and working closely with law enforcement and community partners to ensure fair and efficient administration of justice. The Office operates in a fast paced legal environment and serves a diverse community with professionalism, integrity.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent; AND three (3) years of experience providing administrative or clerical support.
A Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in a related field or a Paralegal certificate may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Special Qualifications:
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Bilingual Positions:
Designated bilingual positions require the incumbents to possess Spanish bilingual skills, including precise writing skills (including spelling, grammar, and punctuation), fluent speaking skills, and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Upon successfully passing the applicable proficiency assessment test(s) in a selected language, positions that are eligible for the bilingual differential pay will offer in an amount of 5% of the base pay rate, or a flat rate of seventy-five ($75) per pay period, whichever is greater. Pay periods are every two weeks.
Selection Process:
You can review our standard selection process here.
Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community.
Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: [email protected] at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.
Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, and which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Brighton BohnenkampEmail Address:
[email protected]Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of administrative or clerical support experience.
- Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a related field or Paralegal certificate (may substitute for two years of experience).
- Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.
- Knowledge of legal office practices, criminal justice processes, and common legal terminology, forms, and documents.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills; ability to interact professionally with the public, victims, witnesses, law enforcement, and attorneys.
- Skill in using legal case management software, Microsoft Office applications, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, tact, and sound judgment.
- Basic math and financial handling skills for calculating discovery fees, preparing witness fee vouchers, and managing petty cash.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize tasks, manage frequent interruptions, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
- Fluency in Spanish (oral and written) to provide bilingual customer service.
What We Do
Washington County is a local government entity dedicated to providing excellent and cost-effective services that support healthy, peaceful, safe, and sustainable communities. The organization manages various public services and infrastructure for its residents, ensuring the well-being and security of the local population through comprehensive programs, including community health, safety, and social services such as juvenile counseling.
