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ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE

Recruitment #20-002572-0007

Introduction

The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants in criminal and other incarcerable cases.  The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All.  Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission.

 

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detailed oriented applicants with legal secretarial experience who are familiar with legal terminology and possess excellent organizational and writing skills, as well as, problem solving skills and significant customer service experience with the ability to work independently. We are looking for someone who knows how to create/format pleadings, motions and discovery documents. The Administrative Aide will be responsible for providing secretarial support, maintaining the day-to-day operations of the office, data entry of case information, and efiling through MDEC (Maryland Electronic Courts). This position involves significant client contact to provide and gather information over the phone and in person. Travel between Cumberland and Oakland offices will be required, as will occasional travel to Baltimore. 

GRADE

11

LOCATION OF POSITION

2100 Starlite Plaza, Oakland, MD 21550

Main Purpose of Job

An Administrative Aide in this position will provide secretarial and administrative support to the Supervising Attorney, Assistant Public Defenders and professional staff in the representation of indigent clients. Manages the non-attorney functions of a satellite district office or serves as backup to the Office Manager in a metropolitan office.

POSITION DUTIES

Support staff attorneys with filing of any and all legal correspondence (motions, subpoenas, pleadings)

Process Discovery and Body Worn Camera Footage

Process and Distribute incoming mail and correspondence

Schedules meetings and interviews as requested by attorneys and management

Type client correspondence

Create/modify reports and documents as requested by staff attorneys or administrative staff

Makes photocopies, faxes documents and performs other clerical functions

Update Prolaw Database with client information

Assist with the preparation of client files

Files papers and documents into appropriate client files

File client correspondence

Maintain Office Equipment

Perform other duties as assigned

Determine a client’s eligibility to be represented by the Office of the Public Defender

Attend meetings which will require travel to other office locations including, but not limited to, Baltimore and Cumberland

Maintain an office calendar for staff and attorneys

Answering phones and otherwise assisting clients with pending matters

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Four years performing secretarial work or clerical work involving typing duties.

Notes:

1. Additional secretarial or clerical experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Thirty credit hours with a major in secretarial science or office technology from an accredited college may be substituted at the rate of thirty credits for one year of experience for up to two years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in Administration classifications or Administrative, Clerical, or Office Services specialty codes in the Administrative Support field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience working in a law office or court system. Good organizational and problem solving skills, and the ability to multi-task. Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Working knowledge and or experience with MDEC.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated ability to accurately type on a keyboard on a personal computer at a minimum of forty words per minute may be required, depending on the specific requirements of the position.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be admitted to the examination for this classification.  Successful candidates will be ranked as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED, OR QUALIFIED and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position.  You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.  Report all experience and education that is related to this position.

 

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online Applications Preferred.  Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-2260.

Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8500, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.  Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.

A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.

 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

 




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