Position Title: Legal Intake Clerk

Salary: $18.00 per hour

How to Apply:

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.



Minimum Requirements:

A high school diploma or its equivalent AND one (1) year experience in a related field, (e.g., social work, investigations, criminal justice, an administrative assistant in legal firm). An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. 

Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities, who can provide a high level of professional service to indigent adults charged with crimes and children in delinquency proceedings and/or have direct experience as a legal intake clerk are preferred. 

Act 33/34 Clearances are required prior to appointment at the cost of the applicant.

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status, and drug/medical examinations as required for the position. The pre-employment drug screen must be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment.


Position Summary:



Overview:


Duties:

 

  • Interviews clients and potential clients of the Office of the Public Defender; interviews may take place in the Office of the Public Defender, the Allegheny County Jail or other detention facilities.
  • Determines whether potential clients qualify for services; refers clients to other agencies as necessary.
  • Completes client profiles through confidential interviews.
  • Takes client statements to be used by Defender Attorneys in pending litigation.
  • Completes preliminary legal conflict analyses and notifies appropriate individuals when a conflict exists.
  • Responds to client phone calls and correspondence in a professional and timely manner.
  • Performs other related duties as required or requested.

 


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

 

  • The services provided by the Office of the Public Defender.
  • Standard office procedures.
  • Standard computer applications and functions, including: Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Access) and data entry
  • Basic social service resources, mental health issues and drug/alcohol addictions.

Skill in:


Ability to:

 

  • Maintain the confidentiality of client information.
  • Abide by written policies and procedures.
  • Maintain civility in relationships and communication with clients, co-workers, judges, court personnel, opposing counsel, law enforcement officers, witnesses and the public.
  • Multi-task.
  • Identify real conflicts of interest that could prevent the OPD from representing a potential client or continuing to represent a current client.
  • Learn, acquire, and apply new knowledge.

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D