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OFFICE SECRETARY III

Contractual

Recruitment #21-001362-0096

Introduction

The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation for indigent defendants.  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 detail-oriented applicants with significant legal secretarial experience and strong customer service skills, who possess excellent organizational and problem solving skills, as well as strong writing skills and the ability to work independently.  We are looking for someone who knows how to create/format pleadings, motions and discovery documents.  

The Contractual Office Secretary III will be responsible for providing secretarial support to the juvenile and/or circuit court attorneys assigned to our Charles County, Maryland office. Located at, 200 Kent Ave, LaPlata, Maryland 20646.

GRADE

ASTD10

LOCATION OF POSITION

 200 Kent Ave, LaPlata, Maryland 20646.

Main Purpose of Job

The Office of the Public Defender is seeking detail-oriented applicants with significant legal secretarial experience and strong customer service skills, who possess excellent organizational and problem solving skills, as well as strong writing skills and the ability to work independently. We are looking for someone who knows how to create/format pleadings, motions and discovery documents.

POSITION DUTIES

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

Field calls from clients, investigators, experts, and court personnel

Process Discovery and Body Worn Camera footage

Process and Distribute incoming mail and correspondence

Schedule 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 

Make photocopies, fax documents and perform other clerical functions

Update Database with client information

Assist with the preparation of client files

File papers and documents into appropriate client files

Maintain important and confidential records, schedules, expense accounts and office supplies

Maintain office equipment

Perform other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Experience: Three years performing secretarial 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 multitask. Highly proficient in Google Apps, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Ability to lift 20 lbs. or more.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.  All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. 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. Applicants selected to interview will be required to complete a writing sample onsite during the interview process.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

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. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.




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