Paralegal - County Counsel

Salary: $56,264.00 - $82,742.40 Annually
Location : Eugene, OR
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 202300575
Department:County Counsel
Division: CC County Counsel
Opening Date: 12/10/2023
Closing Date: 1/2/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
DESCRIPTION
About the Position
Are you a driven and detail-oriented professional seeking a rewarding career in the legal field? We have an exciting opportunity for you! We are actively seeking talented individuals to join our team as Paralegals and become an integral part of our County Counsel staff.
Why Consider Applying?
As a Paralegal, you will play a vital role in supporting our legal team in their pursuit of justice and fair representation. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills, work on challenging cases, and make a meaningful impact on the community. By joining our team, you can expect:
Career Growth: This role will provide you with valuable experience and exposure to a wide range of legal matters. You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills, expand your knowledge, and take on increasing responsibilities, all of which will contribute to your long-term career success.
Real-World Impact: As a Paralegal, you will directly contribute to the preparation for trials, hearings, and litigation activities. Your work will be integral to the successful representation of our clients and the interests of the community are protected.
Professional Collaboration: You will work alongside experienced County Counsel staff who will provide guidance and mentorship, helping you develop a strong foundation in legal research, case development, and analysis. This collaborative environment will foster your growth as a legal professional.
Diverse and Challenging Cases: Our legal team handles a broad spectrum of cases, providing you with exposure to a variety of legal areas. From civil litigation to administrative hearings, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse cases, expanding your knowledge and skill set.
Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Our organization fosters a supportive environment that values your well-being, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally.
As a Paralegal, your primary responsibilities will include:
Litigation Support: You will assist County Counsel staff in preparing for trials, hearings, and other forms of litigation. This includes gathering and organizing evidence, drafting legal documents, and conducting thorough research to support the legal team's strategies.
Case Development and Coordination: You will play a crucial role in the development and coordination of legal cases. This involves organizing case files, tracking deadlines, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth case progression.
Legal Research and Analysis: Utilizing your strong research skills, you will conduct legal research and analysis, providing valuable insights and information to support County Counsel staff in their decision-making processes.
Administrative Support: As a Paralegal, you will also provide administrative support to the legal team, which may include managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and preparing legal correspondence.
About the Division
County Counsel consists of Legal Services, Risk Management, Public Records Requests and Workers' Compensation.
Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
*This is a non-represented position*
QUALIFICATIONS
Training:

• High School Diploma, or G.E.D., supplemented by specialized training in an accredited paralegal program, office management, secretarial sciences or a related field is desirable

Experience:

• Three years of responsible legal secretarial and/or paralegal experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
Paralegal Classification Details
Selection Process
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
Strategic Plan
In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.
The 2022 -2024 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
Veteran Preference Information
Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits
At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.
Introducing , Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.
*The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.
Collective Bargaining Units:
Admin-Pro
AFSCME
AFSCME Nurses
AFSCME Physicians
FOPPO
LCPOA
Local 626
Prosecuting Attorney's
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically
Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30 days as an eligible employee.
Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2018 are outlined below:
If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA: $1,500 (individual) or $3,000 (family) annually. This amount is prorated based on date of hire.
Eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.
Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.
Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.
Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center. Employees may add their families at a discounted rate.
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially
Retirement - Lane County pays for, and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment. (Current members are eligible upon hire.)
Disability - Lane County pays a portion of wages for eligible employees through Short-Term Disability, and provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.
Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:
New Year's Day Independence Day
Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday Labor Day
Presidents' Day Veterans' Day
Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day
Juneteenth Christmas Day
Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.
County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well
On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.
Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.
Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Lane County offers these other valuable benefits
Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.
Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.
For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.
01
Your responses to the supplemental questions are reviewed independently from your application materials. Please providve detailed responses as these questions are scored on a 100 point scale, and we typically refer the top five candidates for interview.

• I understand

02
IMPORTANT: Please ensure you have included all RELEVANT education, employment and lived experience in your application. To ensure compliance with Oregon Equal Pay laws, Human Resources will conduct a wage analysis based on the information you have provided in your application to determine the appropriate starting wage if you are selected.

• I acknowledge I have provided all relevant education and employment history.

03
What is your highest level of education?

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree.
• Two-year technical certificate or coursework.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Master's degree or higher.

04
How many years of responsible legal secretarial and/or paralegal experience do you have?

• No experience or less than 1 year
• 1 - 2 years
• 2 - 3 years
• At least 3 or more years

05
This position will require the creation, formatting and use of legal documents for filing in state and federal court and with administrative agencies. Please describe any experience you have with these types of tasks. (20 points)
06
This position requires prioritizing multiple tasks with multiple deadlines. Describe any experience you have in this area. (20 points)
07
List all computer programs you are familiar with. Do you have any experience with the electronic filing of documents with courts? For example, PACER in federal court? Have you ever used any specific legal software? (20 pts.)
08
Describe any background or experience in the field of employment/labor law or employee relations. (20 points)
09
Please describe your experience working with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. (20 points)
Required Question