CDOC - Legal Assistant I (Sterling)
Colorado Department of Corrections, Sterling, CO, United States
Job Description
This position assists adult offenders classified at various security levels, to include disabled offenders, regarding the use of legal materials and the selection and preparation of legal documents; monitors the daily operations and ensures the security of assigned facility law libraries to maintain a secure work environment within a penal setting; provides alternative legal access to those offenders who do not have physical access to a law library; acts as a liaison for offenders and DOC staff; provides offenders with photocopies of legal materials; receives, logs, delivers all photocopied loan material; logs, prepares loan sheets, enters statistical information into computer to facilitate the production of monthly statistical reports by supervisor; monitors and manages offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing; provides notary services; supervises, hires and terminates offender clerks; provides appropriate services to offenders on behavioral management plans; interviews and provides assistance to offenders pursuant to program policies and procedures; may be responsible for more than one facility law library. All other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Provide legal research assistance to offenders and staff to find proper legal authority; analyze DOC staff and offender legal problems to assist in resolving legal problems and identify frivolous issues.
Monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing.
Identify, categorize and log material submitted to be photocopied and deliver to requesting offenders to provide access to the courts; provide legal materials to offenders upon request to provide access to the courts.
Collect, compile and enter data into computer to facilitate preparation of monthly statistical reports on offender access, photocopy usage, loan of legal materials and hours of operation by supervisor.
Maintain and log data on supply and equipment use to assure compliance with program policies and assure accurate inventories are maintained.
Search law libraries for contraband pursuant to state statute and facility regulations to provide a secure working environment for staff and offenders.
Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.
Note: Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC Facilities throughout the state.
Minimum Qualifications
Paralegal certificate obtained through an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution. Copies must be attached to your application to receive credit.
Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate.
Requires a paralegal certificate to be obtained within 9 months of hiring.
A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate. You must attach unofficial transcripts.
Required Competencies
Proficient legal research skills.
Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Efficient and accurate analysis of data/information skills.
Keen ability to multi‑task and demonstrate flexibility.
Impeccable organizational, planning and prioritizing skills.
Precise attention to detail.
Strong initiative and self‑motivation.
Effective critical thinking and decision making.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other position‑related office technologies.
Ability to maintain composure and control in stressful, potentially violent situations.
Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout shift.
Tolerance to stress, confinement and high‑stakes interaction.
Proficiency reading, understanding and communicating in English.
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain‑language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines.
Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders and agency rules.
Conditions of Employment
Must be 21 years of age
Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver license, obey traffic laws and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Have no felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601‑15609.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Successfully pass all modules of the six‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training and related requirements.
Physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics, including:
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled takedown
Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows
Withstand impact on own body from strikes/blows
Swing a baton in a striking technique
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic
Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions
Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and while on assignment
Must be able to see and hear to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold), which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
Willing and able to travel
Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
Benefits
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Short and long term disability coverage.
Paid life insurance.
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.
Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. We encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.
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This position assists adult offenders classified at various security levels, to include disabled offenders, regarding the use of legal materials and the selection and preparation of legal documents; monitors the daily operations and ensures the security of assigned facility law libraries to maintain a secure work environment within a penal setting; provides alternative legal access to those offenders who do not have physical access to a law library; acts as a liaison for offenders and DOC staff; provides offenders with photocopies of legal materials; receives, logs, delivers all photocopied loan material; logs, prepares loan sheets, enters statistical information into computer to facilitate the production of monthly statistical reports by supervisor; monitors and manages offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing; provides notary services; supervises, hires and terminates offender clerks; provides appropriate services to offenders on behavioral management plans; interviews and provides assistance to offenders pursuant to program policies and procedures; may be responsible for more than one facility law library. All other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Provide legal research assistance to offenders and staff to find proper legal authority; analyze DOC staff and offender legal problems to assist in resolving legal problems and identify frivolous issues.
Monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing.
Identify, categorize and log material submitted to be photocopied and deliver to requesting offenders to provide access to the courts; provide legal materials to offenders upon request to provide access to the courts.
Collect, compile and enter data into computer to facilitate preparation of monthly statistical reports on offender access, photocopy usage, loan of legal materials and hours of operation by supervisor.
Maintain and log data on supply and equipment use to assure compliance with program policies and assure accurate inventories are maintained.
Search law libraries for contraband pursuant to state statute and facility regulations to provide a secure working environment for staff and offenders.
Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.
Note: Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC Facilities throughout the state.
Minimum Qualifications
Paralegal certificate obtained through an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution. Copies must be attached to your application to receive credit.
Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate.
Requires a paralegal certificate to be obtained within 9 months of hiring.
A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate. You must attach unofficial transcripts.
Required Competencies
Proficient legal research skills.
Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Efficient and accurate analysis of data/information skills.
Keen ability to multi‑task and demonstrate flexibility.
Impeccable organizational, planning and prioritizing skills.
Precise attention to detail.
Strong initiative and self‑motivation.
Effective critical thinking and decision making.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other position‑related office technologies.
Ability to maintain composure and control in stressful, potentially violent situations.
Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout shift.
Tolerance to stress, confinement and high‑stakes interaction.
Proficiency reading, understanding and communicating in English.
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain‑language guidelines with accessibility in mind.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines.
Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders and agency rules.
Conditions of Employment
Must be 21 years of age
Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a valid, non‑restricted Colorado driver license, obey traffic laws and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle
Possess a high school diploma or GED
Have no felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601‑15609.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
Successfully pass all modules of the six‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training and related requirements.
Physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics, including:
Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled takedown
Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows
Withstand impact on own body from strikes/blows
Swing a baton in a striking technique
Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic
Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions
Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and while on assignment
Must be able to see and hear to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold), which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
Willing and able to travel
Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
Benefits
Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system.
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Short and long term disability coverage.
Paid life insurance.
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave.
Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.
Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. We encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr