Government Jobs is hiring: Law Library Assistant in Santa Cruz

Law Library Assistant

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 Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide in-person, phone, and email assistance to the public;
2. Provide procedural information; answer questions and explain court filing processes and procedures, use of court forms, and answer questions about library and court services;
3. Guide individuals in locating legal and non-legal materials and information; assist individuals with basic legal research using print and digital resources;
4. Utilize software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and applications that create court forms and documents; retrieve and access information;
5. Support users in using library equipment including copiers and computers.
6. Monitor legal updates by reviewing new laws, legislation, and policy; maintain current public facing materials and library resources;
7. Assists with developing informational handouts and flyers; helps coordinate and schedules special events, seminars, and workshops;
8. Act as a liaison with community service agencies;
9. Compile statistical reports; track user data; and complete other clerical assignments as directed; and
10. General office duties and maintaining office organization; Communicate effectively with staff, other departments and the public.

Education and experience required:

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.

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.

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