Travis County, TX
Legal Secretary Job at Travis County, TX in Austin
Travis County, TX, Austin, TX, United States, 78716
Salary: $52,918.22 - $62,178.90 Annually
Location : Austin, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 24-09415
Department: Community Legal Services
Opening Date: 12/11/2024
Closing Date: 2/11/2025 11:30 AM Central
Job Summary
The Alternate Defender Office will provide quality legal defense to persons magistrated in Travis County under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Once fully staffed, the office will represent approximately 14,000 clients each year in these limited-scope proceedings. This is an opportunity to help create a holistic, client-centered public defender office from the ground up.
Under minimal supervision, this person provides legal secretarial assistance to attorneys and core staff. Prepares, processes, and types legal documents, such as contracts, briefs, summonses, complaints, and motions. Enters, updates, and retrieves information using multiple systems and databases. Collects, organizes, and prepares files and materials for attorneys and compliance staff for use in court appearances or for transacting other legal business. Schedules appointments and maintains calendars. Acts as a liaison between attorneys, courts, witnesses, other agencies and the public.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the first in a series of two legal secretarial-related job classifications within the Administrative Support job family. This classification is distinguished from the Legal Secretary Senior in that incumbents typically have less experience and do not function as lead Legal Secretaries or work directly for a Division Director. Sensitivity to detail and confidentiality.
Duties and Responsibilities
Education and Experience:
Associate's degree in Legal Secretarial Science, Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND two (2) years of advanced secretarial experience, including one (1) year as a Legal Secretary;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
None required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to sitting, client/customer contact, standing, walking, vision to monitor, listening to recording, repetitive motion, stooping/kneeling, squatting, bending, and reaching to perform the essential functions.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Department: Community Legal Services
Location: 700 Lavaca Austin, TX
Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Benefits
Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.
FY2025 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union
Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit
Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program
Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations
Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic
Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays
An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Insurance
Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
Longevity
Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
Parking
A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays
Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays
April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday
October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.
Retirement
Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick Leave
Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental Leave
Each Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition Refund
Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
Vacation
Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.
Workers' Compensation
The county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.
Location : Austin, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 24-09415
Department: Community Legal Services
Opening Date: 12/11/2024
Closing Date: 2/11/2025 11:30 AM Central
Job Summary
The Alternate Defender Office will provide quality legal defense to persons magistrated in Travis County under Article 15.17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Once fully staffed, the office will represent approximately 14,000 clients each year in these limited-scope proceedings. This is an opportunity to help create a holistic, client-centered public defender office from the ground up.
Under minimal supervision, this person provides legal secretarial assistance to attorneys and core staff. Prepares, processes, and types legal documents, such as contracts, briefs, summonses, complaints, and motions. Enters, updates, and retrieves information using multiple systems and databases. Collects, organizes, and prepares files and materials for attorneys and compliance staff for use in court appearances or for transacting other legal business. Schedules appointments and maintains calendars. Acts as a liaison between attorneys, courts, witnesses, other agencies and the public.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the first in a series of two legal secretarial-related job classifications within the Administrative Support job family. This classification is distinguished from the Legal Secretary Senior in that incumbents typically have less experience and do not function as lead Legal Secretaries or work directly for a Division Director. Sensitivity to detail and confidentiality.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Drafts, under attorney supervision, various legal documents, including pleadings, motions, judgments, dispositions, subpoenas and correspondence for use in legal proceedings. Records messages of adjudication and disposition of cases. Examines files and paperwork for accuracy and completeness. Logs all file enhancements with updated status. Creates and updates case lists. Organizes case lists by attorney. Creates, organizes, and prepares case files. Notifies personnel of case assignments and case closures.
- Acts as liaison between attorneys, courts, witnesses, victims, other agencies, departments, and the public. Responds to inquiries from defense attorneys, victims, witnesses, others agencies, and the public regarding the status of cases. Provides continuous updates to referring agencies, attorneys and the public concerning case status and disposition.
- Organizes, maintains, and retrieves case files for assigned court or unit. Enters, updates, and retrieves information using multiple systems and databases. Uses the computer to process, retrieve, and disseminate information and documents, including word processing functions for letters, memoranda, and legal documents.
- Types legal documents and correspondence. Types, certifies, and sends legal documents regarding a summary of action taken in court or wage garnishments. Transcribes interview tapes and maintains spreadsheets for case investigations and statistics. Proofreads legal documents prepared by staff. Assists attorneys in court and helps maintain court dockets and calendars.
- Schedules appointments, maintains calendars and reminder systems, and sorts and distributes incoming mail. Assists in budget preparation. Compiles and types statistical reports and keeps monthly statistics on cases. Performs notary public services. Performs as backup for other clerical staff. Maintains court docket and court calendar. Troubleshoots office equipment, printers, computers, fax machines, and copiers and schedules needed maintenance. Coordinates meetings and takes minutes. May serve as backup receptionist. May assist in training staff, processing payroll, and various personnel actions.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Associate's degree in Legal Secretarial Science, Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Business Administration or a directly related field AND two (2) years of advanced secretarial experience, including one (1) year as a Legal Secretary;
OR,
Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:
None required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
- Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
- Legal terminology, principles, procedures, documents and forms.
- File management and modern office practices.
- Word processing and other software programs.
- Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
- May be required to develop knowledge of and adhere to federal and state laws requiring the confidential handling of certain health information.
- Organizing, updating and filing legal case files.
- Working with attorneys and other legal personnel in a high volume environment.
- Preparing legal correspondence.
- Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
- Verbal and written communication.
- Work independently on difficult or complex clerical tasks.
- Prepare, verify, correct and record legal documents and complicated legal instruments.
- Maintain confidential data and information.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.
Work Environment & Other Information
Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to sitting, client/customer contact, standing, walking, vision to monitor, listening to recording, repetitive motion, stooping/kneeling, squatting, bending, and reaching to perform the essential functions.
Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Department: Community Legal Services
Location: 700 Lavaca Austin, TX
Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.
This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Benefits
Employment at Travis County comes with a full array of benefits. We offer comprehensive health insurance, a no-cost, on-site Health and Wellness clinic, longevity pay, paid vacations, sick time and personal holidays, not to mention an industry competitive salary structure and a friendly, stable work environment.
FY2025 Travis County Benefit Guide
In this valuable you will find benefit summaries, eligibility requirements, costs, contact numbers and addresses as well as other general information on the benefits available to Travis County Employees and Retirees.
Credit Union
Employees may join the Travis County Credit Union which offers low-interest loans, savings plans through payroll deduction, safe deposit boxes and other benefits.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may enroll in a tax- free sheltered investment plan through payroll deduction.
Direct Deposit
Employees may sign up for direct bank deposit.
Employee Assistance Program
Travis County provides a confidential counseling and referral service free of charge to county employees and their family.
Employee Organizations
Membership in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union is available through payroll deduction.
Employee Health & Wellness Clinic
Employees may access the clinic for a variety of wellness program and health care services with no co-pay, no deductible and no co-insurance costs.
Holidays
An average of eleven paid holidays are designated by the Travis County Commissioners Court at the beginning of each fiscal year.
Insurance
Employees may select from four plans: an Exclusive Physician Organization (EPO), Choice Plus Preferred Physician Organization (PPO), Consumer Choice or a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA). All four options include a Pharmacy Plan. Travis County's current policy is to pay 100% of the employee's health insurance premium for the Consumer Choice and HDHP. Employees will pay a premium for both the EPO and PPO. Other insurance benefits include $50,000 Basic Life and AD&D paid by the County.
The following benefits are employee paid:
- Dental
- Vision
- Supplemental Life, AD&D
- Dependent Life
- Short Term Disability
- Long Term Disability
- Long Term Care
New employees are covered on the first day of the month following 28 calendar days of employment.
Longevity
Longevity pay is paid for each year completed after three years of continuous service. Peace Officers in a law enforcement activity, whose job requires state peace officer certification, receive pay after one year of certification.
On the regular payday on or after the employee's fourth and subsequent adjusted service dates, he or she receives a single payment for the previous year.
Parking
A limited number of assigned parking spaces are available to employees in the Courthouse Complex.
Personal Holidays
Regular, full-time employees are eligible for up to three paid personal holidays each calendar year. Part-time employees shall be granted personal holidays on a prorated basis. New employees earn personal holidays for the calendar year in which he/she begins employment, based on the month in which employment begins:
January - March
3 personal holidays
April - June
2 personal holidays
July - September
1 personal holiday
October - December
None
New employees are eligible to take personal holidays after 90 days of employment.
Retirement
Travis County is a member of the Texas County & District Retirement System with mandatory participation by certain classes of employees. Seven percent (7%) of the gross salary is deducted each pay period. An employee is fully vested after eight years of service. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees.
Sick Leave
Regular employees earn sick leave at a rate of eight hours per month with unlimited accrual during employment. Part-time employees earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Parental Leave
Each Full-time Paid Parental Leave Eligible (PPL) Employee is entitled to a total of 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave in a 12 month period. Paid Parental Leave for Part-time PPL Eligible Employees is prorated based on the number of hours that they are regularly scheduled to work.
Tuition Refund
Certain classes of full-time employees may receive reimbursement for fees associated with pre-approved, job related course work completed satisfactorily.
Vacation
Based on years of county service, regular, full-time employees earn vacation time at the following rates:
0 to 5 years
4.0 hours per pay period
6 to 10 years
4.5 hours per pay period
11 to 15 years
5.0 hours per pay period
16 to 20 years
5.5 hours per pay period
21 plus years
6.0 hours per pay period
Part-time employees earn vacation leave on a pro-rated basis.
Workers' Compensation
The county provides all employees workers' compensation coverage with benefits in accordance with state statute, if the employee sustains an injury out of, or in the course of work.