Legal Secretary - Public Defender inHouston County Courthouse, GAApply

Legal Secretary - Public Defender The purpose of this classification is to perform advanced secretarial/administrative duties associated with the legal activities and proceedings of the District Attorney, Public Defender, Solicitor's Office, or County Attorney. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Performs advanced word processing/typing functions. Drafts, composes, transcribes, and/or prepares correspondence, forms, reports, and other documents via computer and/or typewriter. Types motions, appeals, notices, accusations, indictments, briefs, condemnations, sentences, arraignments, subpoenas, affidavits, bonds, or other legal documents; prepares various calendars and distributes to appropriate parties. Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated timeframes; distributes documentation or maintains records as appropriate. Opens/closes court files; prepares case files for use by attorneys during trial; handles and distributes case files in courtroom during various hearings and trials. Files dispositions, warrants, orders, and other documents. Compiles and/or tracks various administrative and/or statistical data pertaining to departmental operations; makes applicable calculations; prepares or generates reports; maintains records. Performs basic research functions as needed (e.g., checks criminal and traffic histories; tracks changes in address; etc.). Performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; retrieves, reviews or modifies data in computer database; generates computerized reports. Receives various forms, correspondence and other documentation; reviews, responds, forwards, maintains, and/or takes other action as appropriate. Receives, opens and distributes incoming mail; prepares outgoing mail. Copies and distributes correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other related materials. Initiates/receives facsimile transmission of documents via facsimile machine. Prepares/maintains sensitive and confidential files; sorts/organizes documents to be filed; files documents in designated order; locates/removes files; maintains file system of departmental records. Maintains inventory of departmental supplies; initiates orders for new or replacement materials. Coordinates calendar activities to include planning/scheduling appointments, interviews, meetings, conferences, etc.; updates calendar on a regular basis; contacts witnesses, victims, and parties involved as appropriate; communicates information concerning timeframes for court appearances, hearings, continuances, document processing, etc., to attorneys, witnesses, victims, law enforcement officials, defendants, and other individuals. May receive monies in payment of departmental fees or services; records transactions, issues receipts, and forwards revenues as appropriate. Greets visitors; ascertains nature of business; assists and/or directs visitors to appropriate person. Answers the telephone; screens calls; provides information/assistance and initiates problem resolution; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary. Coordinates effective communications by initiating outgoing communications, responding to incoming communications, and relaying information between the department and other departments, outside agencies, and the general public. Responds to routine requests for information or assistance from members of the staff, the public, or other individuals. Knowledge of the basic form and content of various legal instruments and documents; knowledge of the court structure and the requirements of various courts with respect to form of pleadings, briefs, filing of papers in court, etc.; knowledge of legal books; knowledge of departmental functions, organization, and policies; knowledge of standard office practices and procedures; knowledge of secretarial techniques; knowledge of use of business English, grammar, punctuation, spelling and formatting of business correspondence; knowledge of filing and recordkeeping methods; knowledge of basic mathematics; knowledge of standard office equipment; and knowledge of basic computer applications and techniques. Skill in performing advanced secretarial work functions; skill in operating standard office equipment; skill in typing; skill in recording/transcribing dictation; and skill in utilizing various computer software programs relevant to the position. Ability to understand departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations; ability to perform advanced secretarial operations involving transactions requiring effective accountability and accurate records; ability to organize work activities and establish priorities; ability to carry out projects with minimal supervision; ability to maintain confidentiality of department information; ability to work with frequent interruptions or under pressure; ability to gather and compile data for reports; ability to maintain a calendar of activities; ability to understand and follow detailed written and oral instructions; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to effectively screen telephone calls, visitors and mail and initiate problem resolution; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public; ability to establish and maintain effective filing systems; ability to perform required mathematical calculations; ability to operate standard office equipment; ability to type accurately with appropriate speed; ability to perform data entry accurately with appropriate speed; ability to record and transcribe dictation with appropriate speed; and ability to utilize various computer software programs relevant to the position. High school diploma or GED required, supplemented by training in computers and secretarial skills; three years of secretarial experience in a legal environment or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. May require possession and maintenance of valid G.C.I.C./N.C.I.C. certification. HOUSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER E-VERIFY COMPANY ID #48627, DATE OF AUTHORIZATION 08/01/2007

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