Washington State Employment Security Department is hiring: Assistant Law Librari

Job Summary

The Clark County Law Library has an opening for a part‑time (15 hours per week) Assistant Law Librarian. The role assists in the operation of the Law Library and serves attorneys, judges, and the public in using library resources. The incumbent will work 7.5 hours per day on 2 days per week for a total of 15 hours per week. The schedule is open to negotiation; availability to cover time off for the Law Librarian is a plus. The position is eligible for paid time off on a prorated basis and is subject to the Law Library Board of Trustees policies. Applications will be reviewed continuously; earlier applicants may have priority. The position is open until filled. Start date is January 2026. Salary has been updated to $36.51‑$44.49 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Advise the public, attorneys, judges, and employees in the use of the Law Library; provide information on availability, location, and use of legal materials and equipment.
• Orient new attorneys and staff to the library; conduct reference interviews with patrons to determine needed materials.
• Collaborate with the Law Librarian on collection decisions, recommending new purchases and weeding CLEs and other materials.
• Perform quasi‑cataloging duties and improve library visibility through networking, preparing fliers, brochures, and bar newsletter notices.
• Maintain the law library website, updating materials, ensuring functionality, and complying with county website policies.
• Customise form kits for use in Clark County, develop and maintain additional form kits, and monitor legislative changes and court decisions to keep resources current.
• Process mail, check in materials, and update looseleaf holdings; maintain the list of library holdings and keep the online catalog current.
• Shelve materials, weed the collection, and carry out disposal decisions per the Law Librarian’s direction.
• Maintain ready‑reference collection binders and a “goody box.”
• Use office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Workday, Drupal) and schedule tasks with a calendaring system.
• Multitask and tolerate interruptions while maintaining a high level of detail and accuracy; prioritise tasks and work independently.
• Handle cash transactions, process credit card payments, and write receipts with high accuracy.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Knowledge of legal procedures, terminology, and research methodology; familiarity with library procedures and reference is a plus.
• Must pass a background check.
• At least three years of professional experience in a legal setting or as a reference librarian in a law library; additional experience preferred.
• Preferred experience with Lexis or Westlaw.
• Genuine desire to work part‑time with flexible scheduling.
• A law degree is preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Legal terminology, procedures, and print and online research.
• Record‑keeping and documentation practices.
• General library administration and reference techniques.

Ability to:

• Work well with judges, attorneys, students, and pro‑se patrons, including those who are frustrated.
• Communicate clearly and determine patrons’ legal needs through questioning.
• Prioritise and multitask with high accuracy.
• Be self‑motivated, collaborate with the Law Librarian, and manage long‑term projects.
• Understand the limits of legal advice and avoid providing it.
• Type at least 45 words per minute.
• Use print and online legal resources effectively.
• Stand or sit for long periods, climb stools and ladders, and occasionally lift up to 40 pounds.

Selection Process

The applicant review is pass/fail. A completed online application that includes a résumé and cover letter is required. Resume and cover letter must address why you are interested and how your background prepares you to help patrons find legal information. Oral interview follows, job‑related with questions about the qualifications in the announcement. Employment references and education verification may be requested.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary range $34.67 – $42.25 per hour.

Clark County offers a comprehensive benefits package for regular full‑time and part‑time employees, including medical, vision, dental, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long‑term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Specific benefit details are available at Clark County Human Resources websites. All employees participate in the Washington State Retirement System Plan (PERS, PSERS, or LEOFF). Contributions begin on the first day of work. Current rates vary from 5 % to 15 % of gross pay, depending on plan choice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at the county Human Resources website.

Contact

Email: Leslie.HarringtonSmith@clark.wa.gov