Superior Court of Santa Cruz
Salary :
$53,435.20 - $67,600.00 Annually Location :
Santa Cruz Courthouse, CA Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
00028 Department:
Self Help / Law Library / Family Services Division:
Law Library Opening Date:
09/02/2025 Closing Date:
9/11/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Under supervision of the Director of Self-Help Services, performs a variety of clerical and administrative support duties that are routine for a law library or self-help program.
This is a full-time, customer-facing support role rooted in public service, focused on assisting individuals with legal research, understanding court procedures, and accessing library resources. The Law Library Assistant plays a key role in helping the public prepare court filings and navigate legal processes, while also supporting the smooth operation of the Law Library through administrative and clerical tasks. Outside of public walk-in hours, this role shifts to providing remote assistance and contributing to special projects that advance the broader mission of the library and court.
Based in Santa Cruz, examples of duties for the Law Library Assistantinclude, but are not limited to, the following: Provide in-person, phone, and email assistance to the public; Provide procedural information; answer questions and explain court filing processes and procedures, use of court forms, and answer questions about library and court services; Guide individuals in locating legal and non-legal materials and information; assist individuals with basic legal research using print and digital resources; Utilize software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and applications that create court forms and documents; retrieve and access information; Support users in using library equipment including copiers and computers. Monitor legal updates by reviewing new laws, legislation, and policy; maintain current public facing materials and library resources; Assists with developing informational handouts and flyers; helps coordinate and schedules special events, seminars, and workshops; Act as a liaison with community service agencies; Compile statistical reports; track user data; and complete other clerical assignments as directed; and General office duties and maintaining office organization; Communicate effectively with staff, other departments and the public.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be: At least one year of experience in a public-facing support role, ideally within a legal or library setting where you interacted with diverse populations. Completion of an approved paralegal training program At least one year of experience in the legal field, demonstrating familiarity with a range of legal resource materials, their application, and proficiency in legal research and drafting legal documents. Background Investigation:
Fingerprinting is required.
Thorough Knowledge of the Following is Required
Strong customer service skills including professional telephone and front desk etiquette. Office practices and procedures including filing, operation of standard office equipment, computers, and business correspondence. A working knowledge of the following is required
Basic record keeping systems; current English usage, spelling and vocabulary; Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; Time management and task prioritization principles and practices; and Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Some knowledge of the following is desired
Basic record keeping systems; current English usage, spelling and vocabulary; Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; Time management and task prioritization principles and practices; and Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to:
Deliver exceptional customer service while engaging effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying needs. Provide courteous, respectful and impartial assistance to the public. Prioritize tasks and adapt to changing workloads. Work independently Use sound independent judgment within established guidelines Ability to proactively seek guidance and support from supervisors to ensure that information and services provided to the public are accurate and appropriate. Understand, interpret and apply established library policies and procedures Recognize and maintain confidentiality of information Perform work with accuracy and detail Perform office support work, including typing and filing Understand and follow written and oral directions Learn new computer technology and applications
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SEIU AND CWA REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
Annual Leave:
22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service. Maximum balance is 2 ½ times annual accrual. Balance paid out upon separation. No accruals available for use until end of 1040 hours of employment.
Holidays:
14.5 paid holidays per year.
Retirement:
CalPERS retirement plan (2% at age 62) integrated with Social Security; employee contributes 7% of salary pre-tax.
Medical:
The Court contracts with CalPERS for a variety of health plans. For most plans Court contributions pay a large majority of the premiums for employees and dependents. Opt-Out for cash is available.
Dental:
Court pays for employee and dependent coverage.
Vision:
Court pays for employee and dependent coverage.
Life Insurance:
Court paid $20,000 term policy for employee only; supplemental employee-paid plan available for employee and dependents.
Short Term Disability:
Court paid; provides 66 2/3 of weekly salary up to maximum of $2,000 per week.
Long Term Disability:
Court paid; provides 66 2/3 of monthly salary up to maximum of $9,000 per month.
Deferred Compensation:
457b plan available; employee voluntary deductions only.
Retiree Health Program : Retirees with at least 5 years of service with our court will have a portion of their monthly CalPERS health insurance cost paid. For retirees with at least 25 years of service, the Court will pay a 100% of the premium for the lowest cost applicable CalPERS HMO or Medicare HMO insurance premium not to exceed $1,000.00 Employees must work with the Court for at least 5 years to qualify and each employee contributes 1% of their base pay on a pre-tax basis to partially fund the Court's retiree health program. 01
Do you have the ability to speak and understand Spanish?
Yes No
02
Provide an instance where you had to work with an upset customer. What was the problem and what was the outcome? 03
How has your background prepared you for this role? Required Question
$53,435.20 - $67,600.00 Annually Location :
Santa Cruz Courthouse, CA Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
00028 Department:
Self Help / Law Library / Family Services Division:
Law Library Opening Date:
09/02/2025 Closing Date:
9/11/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Under supervision of the Director of Self-Help Services, performs a variety of clerical and administrative support duties that are routine for a law library or self-help program.
This is a full-time, customer-facing support role rooted in public service, focused on assisting individuals with legal research, understanding court procedures, and accessing library resources. The Law Library Assistant plays a key role in helping the public prepare court filings and navigate legal processes, while also supporting the smooth operation of the Law Library through administrative and clerical tasks. Outside of public walk-in hours, this role shifts to providing remote assistance and contributing to special projects that advance the broader mission of the library and court.
Based in Santa Cruz, examples of duties for the Law Library Assistantinclude, but are not limited to, the following: Provide in-person, phone, and email assistance to the public; Provide procedural information; answer questions and explain court filing processes and procedures, use of court forms, and answer questions about library and court services; Guide individuals in locating legal and non-legal materials and information; assist individuals with basic legal research using print and digital resources; Utilize software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and applications that create court forms and documents; retrieve and access information; Support users in using library equipment including copiers and computers. Monitor legal updates by reviewing new laws, legislation, and policy; maintain current public facing materials and library resources; Assists with developing informational handouts and flyers; helps coordinate and schedules special events, seminars, and workshops; Act as a liaison with community service agencies; Compile statistical reports; track user data; and complete other clerical assignments as directed; and General office duties and maintaining office organization; Communicate effectively with staff, other departments and the public.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be: At least one year of experience in a public-facing support role, ideally within a legal or library setting where you interacted with diverse populations. Completion of an approved paralegal training program At least one year of experience in the legal field, demonstrating familiarity with a range of legal resource materials, their application, and proficiency in legal research and drafting legal documents. Background Investigation:
Fingerprinting is required.
Thorough Knowledge of the Following is Required
Strong customer service skills including professional telephone and front desk etiquette. Office practices and procedures including filing, operation of standard office equipment, computers, and business correspondence. A working knowledge of the following is required
Basic record keeping systems; current English usage, spelling and vocabulary; Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; Time management and task prioritization principles and practices; and Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Some knowledge of the following is desired
Basic record keeping systems; current English usage, spelling and vocabulary; Basic arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; Time management and task prioritization principles and practices; and Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to:
Deliver exceptional customer service while engaging effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds with varying needs. Provide courteous, respectful and impartial assistance to the public. Prioritize tasks and adapt to changing workloads. Work independently Use sound independent judgment within established guidelines Ability to proactively seek guidance and support from supervisors to ensure that information and services provided to the public are accurate and appropriate. Understand, interpret and apply established library policies and procedures Recognize and maintain confidentiality of information Perform work with accuracy and detail Perform office support work, including typing and filing Understand and follow written and oral directions Learn new computer technology and applications
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SEIU AND CWA REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
Annual Leave:
22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service. Maximum balance is 2 ½ times annual accrual. Balance paid out upon separation. No accruals available for use until end of 1040 hours of employment.
Holidays:
14.5 paid holidays per year.
Retirement:
CalPERS retirement plan (2% at age 62) integrated with Social Security; employee contributes 7% of salary pre-tax.
Medical:
The Court contracts with CalPERS for a variety of health plans. For most plans Court contributions pay a large majority of the premiums for employees and dependents. Opt-Out for cash is available.
Dental:
Court pays for employee and dependent coverage.
Vision:
Court pays for employee and dependent coverage.
Life Insurance:
Court paid $20,000 term policy for employee only; supplemental employee-paid plan available for employee and dependents.
Short Term Disability:
Court paid; provides 66 2/3 of weekly salary up to maximum of $2,000 per week.
Long Term Disability:
Court paid; provides 66 2/3 of monthly salary up to maximum of $9,000 per month.
Deferred Compensation:
457b plan available; employee voluntary deductions only.
Retiree Health Program : Retirees with at least 5 years of service with our court will have a portion of their monthly CalPERS health insurance cost paid. For retirees with at least 25 years of service, the Court will pay a 100% of the premium for the lowest cost applicable CalPERS HMO or Medicare HMO insurance premium not to exceed $1,000.00 Employees must work with the Court for at least 5 years to qualify and each employee contributes 1% of their base pay on a pre-tax basis to partially fund the Court's retiree health program. 01
Do you have the ability to speak and understand Spanish?
Yes No
02
Provide an instance where you had to work with an upset customer. What was the problem and what was the outcome? 03
How has your background prepared you for this role? Required Question