*Departmental Promotional Only* Senior Legal Secretary - Public Defender
County of Humboldt, Eureka, CA, United States
Overview
PLEASE NOTE: This is a departmental promotional recruitment. Departmental promotional recruitments are only open to permanent status County employees that are currently employed within the vacant positions department. *DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL ONLY* SENIOR LEGAL SECRETARY - PUBLIC DEFENDER County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office You are part of a team that changes outcomes for real people. Work here is meaningful, emotionally impactful, and unlike any private-sector role. Work includes criminal, juvenile (criminal), mental health, and specialty court matters. Secretaries here are valued as essential partners that work with interdisciplinary teams: Attorneys, Social Workers, Investigators and Admin Staff. Collaborative & supportive team culture – our office is known for humor, empathy, and a high-trust, fast-paced environment. Independence & Ownership of Work – Staff who want independence thrive in our office. Job Highlights
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including: Provides lead direction, training and work review to office support staff. Drafts and files pleadings and other legal documents and correspondence. Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials. Work Location
This position is located at 1001 4th Street Eureka CA 95501 A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5 with a 1-hour lunch and occasional overtime. This position is represented by the AFSCME bargaining unit. Definition
Under general supervision, assigns, directs and reviews the work of legal secretarial and general office support staff; provides difficult or specialized legal secretarial support to one or more attorneys in various County offices; performs related work as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the working lead level in this legal secretarial support series with responsibility for providing direction to a small group of legal secretarial and/or general office support staff. This is not considered a supervisory class in that the selection, evaluation and discipline of employees is not assigned to this level and the number of employees for which direction is provided is limited. This class is distinguished from Supervising Legal Secretary in that the latter is the first full supervisory level in this series. Provides lead direction, training and work review to office support staff; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work. Provides input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters. Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, contracts, briefs, ordinances and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, or prior materials. Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings and appointments for attorneys; files or arranges for the filing of legal briefs and other necessary paperwork with the court. Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures or taking messages or referring the caller to the proper attorney. Processes a variety of legal agreements, contracts, etc., following attorney's instructions. Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials. Types drafts and a wide variety of finished documents, including both general and legal-related correspondence and documents; may use word processing equipment and input or retrieve data and prepare reports using a personal or on-line computer system. Independently initiates specified correspondence such as transmittal letters for signature by appropriate staff; reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English usage. Organizes and maintains chronological and other files. Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings. Knowledge of
Basic supervisory principles and practices. Office administrative and secretarial practices and procedures, including filing and business letter writing. Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents. The operation of common office equipment, including a wordprocessor and personal or on-line computer. Record keeping, report preparation and filing methods. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals. Skill in
Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others. Training others in work procedures. Drafting pleadings and other legal documents from stenographic notes, brief instructions or printed information. Providing varied and responsible secretarial and office administrative assistance to one or more attorneys and/or associated staff. Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Researching and compiling a variety of informational materials. Organizing and maintaining accurate records and files. Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. NOTE : Specific positions may require skill in taking dictation at a rate of 80 words per minute by hand or stenographic machine and transcribing it accurately. Specified positions may require typing accurately at a rate of 50 net words per minute from printed copy. Other Requirements
Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Desirable Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: One year of legal secretarial and office administrative experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Legal Secretary II. Additional Information
How to Apply A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at the Humboldt County Government Jobs site. Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Selection Procedure The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to fill out the application? • You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application. Can I change my application after submitting it? No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered. How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application? You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don\'t miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application\'s progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us. Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam? Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made. Equal Opportunity Employer The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Medical Examination A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment. Other Examinations Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation. Licenses Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license. Probationary Period Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period. Employment Eligibility It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status. Disaster Service Workers All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. The Provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. The County of Humboldt reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan in accordance with the Humboldt County Merit System Rules.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
PLEASE NOTE: This is a departmental promotional recruitment. Departmental promotional recruitments are only open to permanent status County employees that are currently employed within the vacant positions department. *DEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL ONLY* SENIOR LEGAL SECRETARY - PUBLIC DEFENDER County of Humboldt Public Defender's Office You are part of a team that changes outcomes for real people. Work here is meaningful, emotionally impactful, and unlike any private-sector role. Work includes criminal, juvenile (criminal), mental health, and specialty court matters. Secretaries here are valued as essential partners that work with interdisciplinary teams: Attorneys, Social Workers, Investigators and Admin Staff. Collaborative & supportive team culture – our office is known for humor, empathy, and a high-trust, fast-paced environment. Independence & Ownership of Work – Staff who want independence thrive in our office. Job Highlights
This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including: Provides lead direction, training and work review to office support staff. Drafts and files pleadings and other legal documents and correspondence. Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials. Work Location
This position is located at 1001 4th Street Eureka CA 95501 A typical work schedule for this position is M-F; 8-5 with a 1-hour lunch and occasional overtime. This position is represented by the AFSCME bargaining unit. Definition
Under general supervision, assigns, directs and reviews the work of legal secretarial and general office support staff; provides difficult or specialized legal secretarial support to one or more attorneys in various County offices; performs related work as assigned. Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the working lead level in this legal secretarial support series with responsibility for providing direction to a small group of legal secretarial and/or general office support staff. This is not considered a supervisory class in that the selection, evaluation and discipline of employees is not assigned to this level and the number of employees for which direction is provided is limited. This class is distinguished from Supervising Legal Secretary in that the latter is the first full supervisory level in this series. Provides lead direction, training and work review to office support staff; organizes and assigns work, sets priorities and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work. Provides input into selection decisions, performance evaluations and disciplinary matters. Drafts pleadings, subpoenas, contracts, briefs, ordinances and other legal documents and correspondence, memoranda and reports from stenographic notes, brief instructions, or prior materials. Calendars and schedules court dates, meetings and appointments for attorneys; files or arranges for the filing of legal briefs and other necessary paperwork with the court. Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls, providing information regarding the particular area of assignment, which may require the use of judgment and interpretation of policies and procedures or taking messages or referring the caller to the proper attorney. Processes a variety of legal agreements, contracts, etc., following attorney's instructions. Researches and compiles a variety of informational materials. Types drafts and a wide variety of finished documents, including both general and legal-related correspondence and documents; may use word processing equipment and input or retrieve data and prepare reports using a personal or on-line computer system. Independently initiates specified correspondence such as transmittal letters for signature by appropriate staff; reviews finished materials for completeness, accuracy, format, compliance with policies and procedures, and appropriate English usage. Organizes and maintains chronological and other files. Relieves attorneys of certain administrative matters by following up on projects, transmitting information, keeping informed of pertinent activities, and scheduling and arranging for meetings. Knowledge of
Basic supervisory principles and practices. Office administrative and secretarial practices and procedures, including filing and business letter writing. Legal office terminology, processes, procedures, and the format for legal documents. The operation of common office equipment, including a wordprocessor and personal or on-line computer. Record keeping, report preparation and filing methods. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. Business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals. Skill in
Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of others. Training others in work procedures. Drafting pleadings and other legal documents from stenographic notes, brief instructions or printed information. Providing varied and responsible secretarial and office administrative assistance to one or more attorneys and/or associated staff. Using initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Researching and compiling a variety of informational materials. Organizing and maintaining accurate records and files. Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. NOTE : Specific positions may require skill in taking dictation at a rate of 80 words per minute by hand or stenographic machine and transcribing it accurately. Specified positions may require typing accurately at a rate of 50 net words per minute from printed copy. Other Requirements
Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Desirable Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: One year of legal secretarial and office administrative experience at a level equivalent to the County's class of Legal Secretary II. Additional Information
How to Apply A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the County’s automated application system at the Humboldt County Government Jobs site. Applications must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer. It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible. Selection Procedure The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to fill out the application? • You should allow 30 – 45 minutes to fill out your application. Can I change my application after submitting it? No. Once an application has been submitted, it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered. How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application? You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your governmentjobs.com account at the time of notification. To ensure you don\'t miss any critical information, we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your governmentjobs.com account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your application\'s progress, please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at 707-476-2349 or personnel@co.humboldt.ca.us. Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam? Yes, you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position. If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at (707) 476-2349 so arrangements can be made. Equal Opportunity Employer The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. Medical Examination A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment. Other Examinations Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation. Licenses Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license. Probationary Period Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period. Employment Eligibility It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status. Disaster Service Workers All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. The Provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. The County of Humboldt reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan in accordance with the Humboldt County Merit System Rules.
#J-18808-Ljbffr