Sheriff's Legal Specialist

The list developed from this recruitment will be used for a limited period to fill open and promotional, regular full-time, and part-time positions, should they occur.

Under general direction, performs a variety of highly responsible clerical and paraprofessional work of a specialized, complex, and technical nature in support of the Sheriff-Coroner's Office Civil Division.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilingües en inglés y español. Para recibir una solicitud en español, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

If you apply for this position or are considering applying for this position, please contact MCSO Recruiting for further information and support throughout the process. You can reach them at careers@mendocinosheriff.org or (707) 234-2106.Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Prepares, confirms, distributes, and files a variety of legal documents, including or related to restraining orders, levies, evictions, warrants, summonses, subpoenas, writs, and others in accordance with applicable laws, codes, rules, and office procedures.
• Reviews and resolves complex technical or procedural matters related to Civil Division operations; applies technical resources in the administration and interpretation of relevant laws, regulations, and procedures pertaining to Civil Division operations.
• Examines legal documents for form, sufficiency of information, and conformance with legal requirements.
• Coordinates with law enforcement in the execution or delivery of legal documents.
• Initiates, updates, and maintains physical and computerized files; receives, assembles, sorts, categorizes, and stores related materials, either physically in a file or on a computer database, to ensure that information is current and accessible.
• Enters, codes, and retrieves a variety of information from various computer systems according to appropriate procedures; searches and retrieves information from files, microfiche, computer records, and other documents.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Sheriff-Coroner's Office members, outside agencies, and the public, and promotes the functions and operations of the Civil Division; responds to inquiries from the Courts, attorneys, representatives and employees of the Criminal Justice System, and the general public regarding Civil Division processes, procedural and supplemental requirements, disposition of cases, hearing dates, and related matters.
• Assists the public, law enforcement officers, and others in person, or by phone, providing procedural information; answers inquiries; explains legal filing processes, office operations and procedures; explains basic procedures relating to the rules of court and assigned department.
• Assists in the analysis of legislation, its impact on the operations of the Civil Division, and coordinates changes to internal policies and procedures; assists management with special administrative projects; recommends and implements solutions to ensure operational efficiency which may require analyses, statistical research, program evaluation, etc.
• Assists in the general administration of the Civil Division, including overseeing Civil Division accounting functions, purchasing equipment and supplies, creating and maintaining databases, recommending and writing procedures, compiling data and/or preparing reports, etc.
• Prepares wage and bank garnishments, deferred billings, check disbursements, refunds, and other fiscal items related to the Civil Division.
• Reviews, posts, adjusts, and balances associated fees and payments; maintains accurate and complete record of moneys and funds processed.
• Researches, compiles, and organizes information and data from various sources on a variety of specialized topics related to assigned area; assists in a variety of office operations; performs special projects and assignments as requested.
• Coordinates with specialized personnel or units such as COMMET or SWAT regarding the service of civil documents should issues be anticipated.
• Attends necessary and related training and courses affecting Civil Division operations as related to laws, rules of court, codes, ordinances, etc.
• Provides training for staff assigned to assist in the activities of the Civil Division, including Sheriff's Office sworn personnel.
• May be responsible for serving civil documents on employees or departments/offices of the County.
• May be called upon to appear and/or testify in court.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and, two (2) years of full-time experience providing legal clerical support involving typing and preparation of legal documents, processing and filing legal documents, calendar coordination, and project coordination tasks; or, an equivalent combination of related education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Experience in a law enforcement agency including experience with a law enforcement records management system such as CLETS is highly desired.
Special Requirements:
Required to successfully pass background review.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid driver's license.
Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, policies, and practices, as well as knowledge of computer applications, hardware, and other general office equipment related to the performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Related codes, ordinances, laws, regulations, and procedures necessary to accomplish the position objectives.
• The purpose and processing methods of a variety of court, law enforcement, and legal documents, forms, and records.
• Computer and records systems of the courts and/or law enforcement.
• Technical resource materials and information sources applicable to the area of assignment.
• Legal terminology applicable to civil processes.
• Principles of effective organization and the techniques and practices of research methodology, data collection, and preliminary analysis.
• Application and use of basic statistics and arithmetic, including basic accounting principles.
• General methods and practices of bookkeeping and financial and statistical recordkeeping.
• Effective written communications, including English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications.
• Proper telephone etiquette and public contact techniques.
• Principles and practices of effective training.

Skill in:

• Typing and entering data from rough draft or printed text using a word processor or typewriter at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Composing clear and concise correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
• Scheduling and coordinating projects, setting priorities, and adapting to changing priorities.
• Exercising good judgment, applying logical thinking, and making sound decisions to accomplish tasks or solve problems.
• Interpreting and applying policies, procedures, statutes, and local rules, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Collecting, compiling, and filing information and data.
• Operating and performing routine maintenance of general office machines.
• Drafting legal documents from tapes, handwritten information, and typed correspondence.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicating to others the policies, procedures, statutes, local rules, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

• Prepare, process, and maintain a variety of complex legal documents and reports.
• Locate, identify, and correct technical inaccuracies.
• Research, analyze, understand, interpret, explain, and apply specific statutes, codes, laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Examine documents for completeness, sufficiency, and conformity.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Deal thoughtfully and courteously with the public, County personnel, and members of other organizations or agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Use tact and discretion in handling and maintaining sensitive and/or confidential material.
• Implement policies and procedures.
• Work independently in performing assignment and in resolving problems and deviations.
• Respond appropriately to problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Operate modern office equipment including phone systems, computer equipment, and software programs.
• Use and understand common database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications.
• Learn specialized computer applications.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to: walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull, move, or lift above and below the neck objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds.

Important Application Information:

• It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
• You must complete all sections of the application. A résumé or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a résumé or those that reference "see résumé" will be rejected as incomplete.
• Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
• Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
• You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
• Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
• It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
• The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
• The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed; incomplete applications will not be considered. Based on the number of qualified candidates, applicants meeting the job requirements and qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

Special Testing: If you require special testing arrangements to accommodate a disability or religious conviction you must contact Human Resources at 707.234.6600 prior to the test date to make your requirements known. You must provide enough advance notice to allow Human Resources to properly review and evaluate your request.

Special Requirements: Employment in some County departments or positions may require the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background, which may include fingerprinting, and/or a medical examination, which may include drug screening.

This announcement is a synopsis of duties and requirements of this job. To review the complete classification specification and benefits, please see the HR website. Applications must be submitted to the Human Resources Department by the final filing date.

Employment Type: Full-time Permanent