Introduction
As a State agency,
Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and
equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all
qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or
mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin,
veteran status or genetic information.
All applicants must be
able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to
complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. Applicants must be able
to work in various positions, and travel to various courtrooms and office
environments throughout the state. MOPD is further committed to providing equal
opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in
employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the
job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable
accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or
employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential
functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and
privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees
without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue
hardship.
Applicants must be able
to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access
to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a
reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human
Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503
tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
The Office Secretary III will be responsible for providing secretarial
support to the attorneys assigned to our Post Conviction Defenders Division and
our Decarceration Division located in Baltimore City. This position involves some
client contact with indigent defendants and their families to provide and
gather information over the phone and at times, in person. Bilingual applicants
are encouraged to apply.
GRADE
ASTD10
LOCATION OF POSITION
Post Conviction Defenders Division: 217 E. Redwood Street,
#1020, Baltimore, MD 21202.
Decarceration Division: 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD
21202
Main Purpose of Job
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.
POSITION DUTIES
Support staff attorneys with filing of any and all legal
correspondence (motions, subpoenas, pleadings)
Process and Distribute incoming mail and correspondence
Draft and/or type clients correspondence
Answering incoming phone calls on a multi-line phone
Create/modify reports and documents as requested by staff
attorneys or administrative staff
Makes photocopies, faxes documents and performs other
clerical functions
Update e-Defender 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
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 multi-task.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Software packages and/or Google Applications. 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 of a personal computer at a minimum of forty words per minute may be required, depending on the specific requirements of the position.
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 for the interview will be required to complete a
writing sample onsite during the interview process.
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.
