Legal Specialist I/Ii - General

The District Attorney's Office is actively recruiting for the following positions:

• Legal Specialist II for the Felony/Trial Team (one (1) regular, full-time position)

• Legal Specialist I/II for the Child Support Team (one (1) regular, full-time position)

This recruitment will be used to create a pool of candidates eligible for current and future vacancies within the next 6 months.

District Attorney's Office Criminal Prosecution Program:

• The Trial Team provides criminal case support to the felony or misdemeanor criminal prosecution trial teams. Duties include case intake, assisting with case preparation by managing police reports, providing copies to the defense, filing documents with the court, preparing subpoenas for victims and witnesses for various court appearances, and preparing files for court.

• The Data Integrity Team positions provide support to the Criminal Prosecution Program. Duties include obtaining criminal case reports from law enforcement agencies, entering/importing case-related data into the DA's case management system, updating the database after court appearances and managing case notifications received electronically from the court, law enforcement agencies, defense attorneys, and other public entities.

District Attorney's Office Child Support Program:

• The Child Support position is a member of a team of three Attorneys and 16 Legal Specialists who work closely with one another, often sharing responsibilities. Duties include assisting members of the public with the establishment and modification of child support orders, paternity establishment and enforcement of child support orders, updating case records, e-filing orders with the court, entering all data into the Oregon Child Support Computer system, and communicating with members of the public in writing and on the telephone.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate prioritizes attention to detail and recognizes that a high level of accuracy in work product is a must for this type of challenging, high-volume workload.  They will be adept at handling an extremely fast-paced environment and can successfully multi-task and re-prioritize work based upon ever-changing deadlines. Knowledge of the legal field and criminal justice is a plus.

Click here to learn more about the Washington County District Attorney's Office

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role, even if you believe you do not meet all the hiring criteria described above.    

The Legal Specialist I is the entry-level classification of the Legal Specialist Series. Employees within this class perform similar duties as the Legal Specialist II but are not expected to perform with the same independence and judgment on matters relating to established procedures and methods. The Legal Specialist I performs technical and administrative support duties of a routine nature for assigned attorneys in the District Attorney's Office.  Pay Range: $25.28 - $30.71/hour. To review the complete classification and list of knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, click here.

The Legal Specialist II is the journey-level classification of the Legal Specialist Series. The Legal Specialist II provides highly skilled and journey-level legal support to designated attorneys, following applicable court rules and procedures and County office standards; prepares files and legal documents; manages discovery and digital evidence; and assists in criminal or civil trial preparation. Pay Range: $28.58-  $34.77/hour. To review the complete classification and list of knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, click here.

Bilingual Positions: Designated bilingual positions require that the incumbent have knowledge of the Spanish language, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in writing Spanish accurately; ability to speak Spanish fluently; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. If you possess these skills, you are encouraged to apply. 

We highly encourage anyone who meets either set of minimum qualifications to apply to fill our current positions and any future vacancies! Both positions are part of the Legal Specialist series meaning we can underfill the Legal Specialist II position at the Legal Specialist I level. Once you gain the necessary requirements to meet the minimum qualifications you will automatically promote to be a Legal Specialist II.

Legal Specialist I - Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND three (3) years of experience providing administrative or clerical support.
• A Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in a related field or a Paralegal certificate may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Legal Specialist II -Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; AND Four (4) years of experience in a legal and/or professional office as outlined below by specialty area.
• A Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in a related field or a Paralegal certificate may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Criminal Prosecution Team

• Four (4) years of experience providing administrative or clerical support, two (2) years of which must be in a legal support role in a law office or in an office environment with a focus on legal issues; OR
• Four (4) years of experience providing administrative or clerical support, one (1) year of which is in a prosecutor's office.

Child Support Team

• Four (4) years of experience providing administrative or clerical support, two (2) years of which must be in a legal support role in a law office or in an office environment with a focus on legal issues; OR
• Four (4) years of experience providing administrative or clerical support, one (1) year of which is in a state or county child support office.

ADDITIONAL LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND SPECIALTY REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background is relevant. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses. Please note: Answers to the supplemental questions are typically evaluated separately from your application.

A cover letter is required to apply for this position.  

Your cover letter should:

• Highlight key points of your application

• Provide an overview of your qualifications, including any relevant experience, education, training and skills

• Address how you meet the ideal candidate profile

Selection Process

• Apply today!?In lieu of a resume, we ask that you complete and submit an online application, which will be used to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and to determine starting pay in accordance with the provision of the Oregon Equal Pay Law.

• MQ Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications after the posting closes.

• Subject Matter Expert Review: Depending on the volume of applications, HR may conduct a Subject Matter Expert Review. Your responses to the supplemental questions and cover letter will be evaluated and scored by a panel of subject matter experts. Your total score for this examination will affect your placement on the eligible list (a list of candidates eligible for interviews).

• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates that meet the minimum qualifications and pass the SME review as soon as possible.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Veterans' Preference

If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for a Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or e-mail: Careers@washingtoncountyor.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.

Status of Your Application

You will be advised by e-mail of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. If you "opt out" or "unsubscribe" from email notifications from NEOGOV it will impact our ability to communicate with you about this and other recruitments.

Questions Regarding This Recruitment?

Contact Brighton Bohnenkamp, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Brighton_Bohnenkamp@washingtoncountyor.gov

Additional Resources:

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