Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Paralegal provides administrative and paraprofessional legal support to attorneys. Performs case preparation duties including reviewing case records, criminal histories, and agency reports, and preparing legal documents for the court.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Collects and researches reports from law enforcement and other sources by running, reading, and selecting correct names from each report and entering report information into appropriate computer system; verifies the charges selected by officers match the crime committed; corrects information as needed.

Merges case documents, criminal histories, and police reports in judicial dialog to prepare Trial Information and Minutes of Testimony; research pre-sentence investigations; reviews information to determine if charges need to be enhanced or reduced and verifies compliance with the Iowa Code of Criminal Procedures; amends complaints and affidavits and files with the Clerk of Court as appropriate.

Uses disposition memos to prepare plea agreements; scans documents and submits to appropriate parties; notifies arresting officers required to testify at preliminary hearings of times and dates or waived trials.

Assures judicial deadlines are met by preparing for and attending felony pre-trials; reconciles reports with judicial dialog reports; checks reports for speedy trial requests and co-defendants; records trial date on report along with any motion dates, plea dates, sentencing dates, and continuance dates; checks all the forms for case numbers, trial dates, signatures, and other required information before submitting to the County Attorney's Office for filing with the Clerk of Court.

May provide back up to the Paralegal Audio-Visual Production Specialist.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards for Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Associate's degree or Paralegal certificate; AND three - five (3-5) years of experience as a legal assistant or in a legal office; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:
State and Federal electronic document filing and retrieval.

Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

General office practices, procedures, and Microsoft programs.

Judicial system, judicial laws, and court proceedings.

Legal terminology.

Research techniques and resources.

Utilizing audio/visual editing software for recovery, retrieving and storing data.

Retrieval of body cam squad video.

Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.

Skill in:
Working effectively with little or no direct supervision.

Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.

Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside agencies, and the public.

Handling and maintaining the confidentiality of files and information.

Prioritizing and multi-tasking work to meet deadlines.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

License and Certification Requirements
Must possess NCIC certification or obtain certification within six (6) months of appointment.

Iowa State Notary Public is required within six (6) month of appointment.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed in a standard office environment.

Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

• Scott County Employment Benefits