Paralegal

FLSA Status: Exempt; Employment Status: Full‑Time; Civil Service Status: Unclassified; Reports to: Court Services Supervisor; Pay Grade: $22.88 per hour; Work Schedule: 40 hours per week; Department: Court Services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide customer service and assist pro se litigants in completing appropriate legal forms for filing with the Clerk’s office.
• Ensure pro se forms comply with Local Court Rules and State Statutes.
• Ensure the Citizen Services office processes legal filings that are accurate and appropriate.
• Return phone calls from pro se filers in a timely manner and keep accurate logs of the number of clients served and other clerical tasks.
• Ensure case filings are processed timely and accurately.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Performs a variety of other related duties as required and assigned.

Scope of Supervision

Citizen Services Receptionist/Deputy Clerk.

Equipment Operated

• Computer and current software system (JCS)
• Scanners, telephone, fax machine, copier and other general office equipment
• Time stamp machine

Contacts with Others

• Judges
• Magistrates
• Legal Department
• Attorneys
• Parents and other guardians
• The general public

Confidential Data

Information contained in court files, medical records, social histories and other information about a person/party to the case.

Working Conditions

This position requires working in a normal court environment with no unusual demands or exposure to hazardous situations.

Usual Physical Demands

While performing duties of this job, the Paralegal frequently sits for extended periods of time. The employee converses verbally with others in person and by telephone. Vision demands include normal vision requirements, with occasional close‑focus viewing of a computer screen.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Ohio Revised Code; Ohio Juvenile Rules and all court operations.
• Ability to: organize and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; draft legal memoranda confidently and efficiently; maintain confidentiality and ethical standards; possess a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Skill in: listening; written and verbal communication; relating legal principles to facts; critically analyzing facts; legal analysis and research; operating a computer.

Qualifications

• Paralegal degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or related field required.
• Experience in the juvenile justice system is preferred.
• Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Licensure or Certification Requirements

Notary Public Certification.