Legal Intake Clerk

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:
• Maintaining the confidentiality of client information.
• Aiding by written policies and procedures.
• Maintaining civility in relationships and communication with clients, co-workers, judges, court personnel, opposing counsel, law enforcement officers, witnesses and the public.
• Multitasking.
• Identifying real conflicts of interest that could prevent the OPD from representing a potential client or continuing to represent a current client.
• Learning, acquiring, and applying new knowledge.

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.

Residency

Residency: Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans' Preference: Will be awarded to eligible candidates.