Agency
Indigent Defense ServicesDivision
Special CounselJob Classification Title
Special Counsel Legal Assistant (S)Position Number
60002239Grade
30013148About Us
DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.
Description of Work
SALARY RANGE: $39,731.00 - $65,273.00The 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.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
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, Skills and Abilities / Competencies: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 by clicking the above APPLY link. 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.
*NOTE* 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.
Charmaine J. Leeks
NC Administrative Office of the Courts
Human Resources Division
https://www.nccourts.gov/about/about-judicial-branch/careers
Minimum Education and Experience
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.
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.
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 pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Recruiter:
Charmaine James LeeksEmail:
Skills Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Two years of legal secretarial experience
- Experience entering client data into a Microsoft Access database and preparing statistical reports
- Ability to e-file through the eCourts/e-file system and manage court documents
- Skill operating office equipment (computers, printers, copiers, telephones, fax) and Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to learn legal terminology, formats for orders and subpoenas, and new software systems/databases
- Attach a cover letter and resume to the application
- Experience interacting with individuals subject to the civil commitment process
- Two years processing assistant in psychiatric hospital admissions OR two years psychiatric medical records processing related to civil commitment OR two years as an HCT in a psychiatric facility
- Proficiency with Microsoft Access
What We Do
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state's public school laws for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
