Address
Form of work
Salary*Columbia County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer*
GENERAL SUMMARY: Under direction of the Office Manager and Chief Public Defender, this position is the first point of contact for the Public Defender’s Office. The Receptionist’s duties include offering administrative support through the department, coordinating Attorneys’ schedules, distributing correspondence, and redirecting phone calls. Work is distinguished by the nature of contacts which often involve working in a stressful environment with a large case volume.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Greet and welcome members of the general public who enter the office; direct visitors to the appropriate person in the office; troubleshoot concerns and questions of visitors.
2. Answer, screen, and forward all incoming calls; take messages from callers as needed; make phone calls or other correspondence as directed by Attorneys or Office Manager.
3. Prepare and mail court documents, letters, and notices as directed by supervisors; receive, sort, and distribute daily mail.
4. Maintain calendars for the Chief Public Defender (DA) and Assistant Public Defenders (APD); schedule meetings at the direction of the Chief Public Defender or Office Manager.
5. Assist with service tracking within the Public Defenders Office; record initial packet responses; send follow-up and maintain/update files.
6. Provide clerical support to the Public Defenders Office as a whole; maintain filing systems; maintain and order office supplies; prepare office for meetings/conferences.
7. Ensure security, integrity, and confidentiality of all office data and communications.
8. Assist with processing discovery requests from defendants/attorneys and discovery correspondence from police; redact sensitive information from discoveries prior to dissemination.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
*indicates developed after employment
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
High School Diploma or GED; prior office/clerical experience; prior legal/criminal justice system knowledge preferred
KNOWLEDGE:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (i.e.- Word, Access, Excel, Outlook Calendar)
Hands-on knowledge of office equipment (i.e.- computers, fax machines, phone systems, printers/scanners)
*Proficiency in UJS Portal, JNet, PD Management Systems.
SOCIAL SKILLS:
*Ability to explain criminal justice system procedures in plain language.
Ability to remain calm while assisting distressed members of the public.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with representative of various
social service agencies, clients, law enforcement and court related agencies.
Possession of a professional attitude and appearance with strong written and verbal communication skills.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Background Check (PSP Criminal History & FBI Fingerprints)
PA Child Abuse Clearances
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a busy and often crowded office environment with frequent interruptions. Occasionally, work involves confrontations with hostile or confused individuals.
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required to perform the job.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.25 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Travel requirement:
- No travel
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Law office: 1 year (Preferred)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
