Job Announcement Description
| Job Title: |
Intake Paralegal |
| Department: |
Office of the Public Defender |
SALARY: $2,658.45 per month
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. All applications must be returned in person or by mail. A resume may not be substituted for an application.
Minimum Requirements:
Associate’s degree, And a paralegal certificate from an accredited paralegal program, And one year experience with direct client relations as a paralegal. Applicants with a post baccalaureate paralegal certificate are preferred. Applicants meeting the first requirement, with two years of practical experience with entities that have investigative facets such as police, litigation departments, etc., or who have experience in relevant areas including mental health, trials, appeals, etc., are also preferred. Applicants who have a demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities and a challenging client population also are preferred.
Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background investigation prior to appointment. |
Duties:
- Interviews current and potential clients at the office, the Allegheny County Jail, and other detention facilities.
- Completes client profiles through confidential interviews and compiles client profiles using databases.
- Takes detailed statements from clients to be used by the Defender Attorneys.
- Reviews, indexes, and compiles data from recorded legal proceedings including, courts, row offices, etc.
- Conducts criminal history reviews and prepares routine reports utilizing available databases.
- Collects and analyzes data to prepare reports under the supervision of counsel.
- Conducts legal research under the supervision of counsel.
- Participates in team planning and strategy sessions.
- Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Standard practices and procedures associated with the position of Intake Paralegal.
- Standard computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet analysis, data entry, etc.
Ability to:
- Identify conflicts of interests that may prevent the OPD from representing or continuing to represent a client.
- Maintain the confidentiality of all case related information.
- Maintain a professional working relationship with clients, co-workers, judges, opposing counsel, etc.
- Handle multiple responsibilities and work weekends, as needed.
Residency: Must become a resident of Allegheny County within one (1) year of appointment
Veteran's Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-M/F/V/D