<p>Description</p> <p>Position Summary</p> <p>Why It's a Great Opportunity:</p> <p>This position provides an exciting opportunity for someone looking to gain exposure to a wide variety of operations throughout District Court. You will be knowledgeable of and responsible for all clerical functions of case processing and some administrative activities associated with court operations. You will work closely under the mentorship of the Lead Legal Processing Assistant 3.</p> <p>On a routine basis, you will attend court hearings in the courtroom and jail, make accurate docket entries of court proceedings, and record case-related data in various 3rd party databases. Additionally, you will complete follow-up tasks after hearings have concluded and schedule future court hearings. This fast-paced environment ensures that no day is the same!</p> <p>Why It's a Great Place to Work:</p> <p>The mission of Pierce County District Court, as an independent and impartial branch of government, is to promote respect for law, society and individual rights; provide open, accessible and effective forums for dispute resolution; resolve legal matters in a just, efficient and timely manner and assure the dignified and fair treatment of all parties. Pierce County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction hearing the following cases:</p> <ul> <li>Traffic and non-traffic infractions </li><li>Criminal and criminal-traffic misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors </li><li>Civil matters for damages for injury to individuals or personal property, and contract disputes no greater than $100,000 </li><li>Small claims for recovery of money not to exceed $10,000 </li><li>Name changes </li><li>Antiharassment protection orders </li><li>Stalking protection orders </li></ul> <p>How to be Successful in the Role:</p> <p>This detail-oriented position requires familiarity with legal terminology, the ability to listen and know when to ask questions, and skill in preparing professional-quality work products. Having a general understanding of Case Management Systems and Limited Jurisdiction Courts will help you succeed in this role.</p> <p>Throughout the training process, you will meet with your supervisor regularly to set expectations and goals for yourself, introduce you to the specific Court unit training plan you will follow, and familiarize you with the current District Court policies, procedures, and technology.</p> <p>Your Future in this Role:</p> <p>District Court has a comprehensive onboarding process that exposes you to all court functions and processes and involves real-time training opportunities alongside more experienced teammates. Your work will directly impact your community, and it offers a great foundation for future positions within the District Court and Pierce County.</p> <p>Core Daily Responsibilities:</p> <p>Courtroom Services Unit-</p> <ul> <li>Serve as back-up to Judicial Assistant by routinely attending court and making accurate minutes of court proceedings </li><li>Process orders of the Court </li><li>Oversee exhibits </li><li>Record case-related data in various databases </li></ul> <p>A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here. This recruitment may be used to fill future Legal Processing Assistant 3 vacancies.</p> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Four or more years of progressive, responsible experience as a legal processing assistant, legal secretary, or related legal staff support function. </li><li>Additional education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute for recruiting requirements on a year for year basis </li></ul> <p>NOTE: Moving to Legal Processing Assistant 3 is a promotional level determined on an individual basis and not an automatic step.</p> <p>As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.</p> <p>Supplemental Information</p> <p>To be considered for this opportunity, please:</p> <ul> <li>Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to: www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. </li><li>If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. </li><li>If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers. </li><li>Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need. </li></ul> <p>This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes, which may include assessments, phone screens, and interviews.</p> <p>At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion mean commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have a local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a place people are proud to call home?</p> <p>We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.</p> <p>Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our Leadership Training Program, and a County Book Club.</p> <p>We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.</p> <p>Our benefits:</p> <p>Vacation (Annual Leave)</p> <p>After approximately six months, employees receive six days of vacation leave.</p> <p>Since we value your experience, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Vacation accrues on a bi-weekly basis for full-time employees as follows:</p> <p>Vacation Accruals:</p> <p>During years 1-3, 12 Days</p> <p>During years 4-7, 16 Days</p> <p>During years 8-13, 20 Days</p> <p>During years 14-18, 23 Days</p> <p>During years 19, 24 Days</p> <p>During years 20, 25 Days</p> <p>During years 21, 26 Days</p> <p>During years 22, 27 Days</p> <p>During years 23, 28 Days</p> <p>During years 24, 29 Days</p> <p>During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days</p> <p>A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next.</p> <p>Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.</p> <p>Military Leave:</p> <p>Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.</p> <p>Holidays:</p> <p>Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:</p> <p>New Year's Day - January 1</p> <p>Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January</p> <p>President's Day - Third Monday in February</p> <p>Memorial Day - Last Monday in May</p> <p>Juneteenth - June 19</p> <p>Independence Day - July 4</p> <p>Labor Day - First Monday in September</p> <p>Veteran's Day - November 11</p> <p>Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after</p> <p>Christmas Day - December 25</p> <p>Personal Holidays:</p> <p>Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.</p> <p>Furlough:</p> <p>Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.</p> <p>Sick Leave:</p> <p>Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.</p> <p>Insurance Benefits:</p> <p>Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the Pierce County Health Benefits website.</p> <p>Retirement and Deferred Compensation:</p> <p>Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.</p> <p>Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.</p> <p>Social Security:</p> <p>All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.</p> <p>Miscellaneous Benefits:</p> <p>Please visit Pierce County's Benefits website for more information.</p> <p>Telework/Remote Options:</p> <p>Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy here.</p> <p>All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.</p> <p>01</p> <p>This recruitment requires you to submit a resume and a cover letter indicating your interest in this opportunity and how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this position. Did you include your resume and cover letter with your application?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>This position may require you to work in a jail setting as well as provide regular courtroom back-up support. Are you willing and able to perform this work?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>03</p> <p>Do you have a Paralegal Degree or Certification?</p> <ul> <li>No </li><li>Yes, a Paralegal Certificate </li><li>Yes, a Paralegal Degree </li></ul> <p>04</p> <p>Please summarize your experience using the Essential Functions listed in the job announcement.</p> <p>Required Question</p> <p>Employer Pierce County</p> <p>Address Pierce County Human Resources</p> <p>2401 S 35th St, Rm 121</p> <p>Tacoma, Washington, 98409</p> <p>Phone (253) 798-7480</p> <p>For Sheriff's Department positions: 253-798-6250</p> <p>Website http://www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs</p>