SUMMARY:

This position provides for an employee to learn and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations to the Public Defender’s Office and relevant techniques of the Case Manager. This individual supports the functions of the attorneys in the office and the Court. Case Managers work under direct supervision to include regular guidance, review and oversight by the Office Manager, Chief Public Defender and Deputy Public Defenders while learning fundamental skills such as docketing, electronically filing of motions, statistical reporting and general secretarial assistance in an efficient, professional courteous and timely manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: (Other duties may be assigned.)

1. Under direct supervision, prepares routine correspondence and standard to moderately complex motions. Learns and applies processes within established criminal procedures, rules and law to track and monitor progress and status of cases and ensure records are processed within appropriate timelines. Keeps attorney apprised of case status and timeliness.

2. Maintains and organizes legal records and documents such as discovery, pleadings, court orders, transcripts and relevant client information specific to the case. Converts a wide range of documents, records and information from various formats into searchable electronic (PDF) files; created digital bookmarks or indexes for easy reference and access by attorneys or defense team.

3. Updates electronic files, new discovery, documents, or records are received; informs attorneys and defense team members of all new discovery and distributes information to appropriate parties as directed.

4. Learns to access information through a variety of resources such as Arkansas Court Connect and/or local jurisdiction web sites. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with court staff, attorneys, law enforcement or other persons necessary to request and exchange legal records and information. Prepares standard correspondence and release forms as required to access client information.

5. Assists in contacting clients, client family members, and other parties as directed to identify and obtain information necessary for completing client records or drafting motions. Prepares standard correspondence and release forms as required to access information.

6. Assists in preparing exhibits, attachments and supporting documentation for pleadings and court hearings.

7. Assists in court providing court dates to clients, noting information from hearing and updating Case Management Database.

8. Travel to other work locations is required.

9. Attend meetings and training as required.

10. Perform any and all other duties as assigned as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Graduation from high school supplemented by legal secretarial or college courses in a related field. A combination of education, training and experience with law office or comparable work that demonstrated the knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform the duties at this level may substitute for the education or experience. Interpersonal skills and professionalism are important as this position regularly communicates with the staff, the public, attorneys, local officials, courts and State Valid driver licenses is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE: (Position Requirement at Entry)

1. Knowledge of software applications such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsers.

2. Office policies and procedures.

3. Basic math.

SKILLS:

1. Strong Client service focus.

2. Ability to maintain client confidentiality and professional ethics standards.

3. Conducting factual research.

4. Strong attention to detail.

5. Applying applicable rules, guidelines, policies and procedures.

6. Completing multiple tasks and assignments with frequent interruptions.

7. Strong interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, court and law enforcement personnel, witnesses and clients and client families.

8. Effective communication, verbal and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information including receiving work direction.

9. Ability to learn and utilize Adobe Acrobat, Office specific web browsers and audio/visual software and equipment.

10. Ability to process and retain large amounts of information.

11. Operation of common office tools and equipment such as desktop computers, tablets, printers, photocopiers and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee

to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects and speak or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to use close vision in use with large amount of computer screen work.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All aspects of general office work environments apply.

Benton County is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.