Job Information
Spokane County Court Staff Assistant 1 - Family Law in Spokane, Washington
Court Staff Assistant 1 - Family Law
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Court Staff Assistant 1 - Family Law
Salary
$43,546.46 - $60,952.15 Annually
Location
WA 99260, WA
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
24-00207
Department
Superior Court
Opening Date
09/09/2024
Closing Date
9/20/2024 4:30 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Description
Benefits
Job Summary
This position works 37.5 hours per week.
The position allocated to this class provides technical judicial administrative support services for Superior Court’s Guardianship Monitoring, Family Court Facilitator or Criminal Coordinator Programs. The incumbent provides technical program assistance under the general direction of a Court Coordinator who oversees the assigned program. Duties may include researching and compiling data, developing reports, assisting pro se individuals navigate the court system and assisting in the management of special projects or programs. This classification is distinguished from the Court Staff Assistant 2 classification by work performed in support of a specific Program.
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $55,739 - $78,018 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.
Examples of Duties
Guardian Monitoring Program:
Assesses needs and provides information and technical assistance to professional and non-professional guardians.
Identifies needed forms and documents and assists guardians in complying with statutory requirements, local court rules, court procedures, including meeting reporting requirements and possible consequences for failure to comply.
Reviews documents prior to filing in the Clerk’s Office.
Reviews court files and reports completed by volunteers.
Determines if additional information is needed from the guardian or if the report is ready for Court Commissioner approval or a court hearing is required.
Assists the Coordinator with recruiting, training and assigning work to volunteers and interns who provide program services.
Prepares and reviews files to maintain adequate workload for volunteers.
Assists in the development and distribution of guardianship information packets, brochures, and instructional materials related to responsibilities and court requirements.
Creates individualized legal documents for Court Commissioners.
Assists Coordinator in providing public liaison and media relations representation with the public, attorneys, pro se litigants, state agencies, family law staff and the Clerk’s Office.
Processes court orders including conforming copies, emailing and/or calling people to pick up supporting documents.
In the absence of the Court Coordinator, performs limited duties for: weekly dockets (compiling, emailing dockets and attending hearings), Court Visitor Registry (assignments, hearing dates and initialing Orders Appointing Court Visitors).
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Criminal Coordinator Program:
Attends and facilitates in-custody (Jail Video Courtroom) and out of custody (Chief Criminal Courtroom) first appearance, arraignment, Early Case Resolution, and pretrial dockets to schedule hearings and generate orders using computer software on multiple calendars for a variety of appointment types, as ordered by the Court.
Advises the Court and counsel of related case information.
Assists judicial officers and their staff with procedural clarification, as needed.
Monitors pretrial and trial dates in accordance with court rules and legal compliance, including maintaining the scheduling grid in SuperCal.
Edits, corrects and makes available the grid to the Court and legal counsel, as needed.
Maintains order in the jail courtroom.
Tracks and maintains information regarding active felony cases, while monitoring the pending caseload.
Coordinates transport needs with counsel and defendants to ensure efficiency and fluency of the docket.
Coordinates, monitors and tracks hearing requirements specific to defendants under medical isolation.
Provides information and technical assistance to counsel and defendants.
Assists with the completion of court required documents.
Ensures documents are picked up and/or delivered to the appropriate source for processing.
Works with multiple courtrooms and ensures the Judicial Assistant is up to date on any changes that have been made when another department is covering the dockets.
Assists the coordinator with training of other staff on program processes; attends meetings, drafts and distributes minutes to appropriate parties, as requested or needed.
Drafts weekly report(s) for the coordinator.
Maintains and troubleshoots courtroom computer and video equipment, in coordination with the Information Systems Department (ISD).
Moves and sets up equipment as needed and directed by the coordinator.
Monitors all criminal cases, specifically those with bonds posted, for purposes of implementing forfeiture procedures and notifying the bond company within statutory and regulatory time frames.
Advises the Bond Judge and/or other Superior Court judges when defendants fail to appear and prepares forfeiture paperwork when applicable; notifies the Court Coordinator and Bond Judge of the status of bond companies as it relates to payment of forfeitures; communicates with the Prosecutor’s Office regarding forfeiture procedures.
Researches case status for purposes of filing exoneration of bond paperwork for the Bond Judge’s approval, faxing exonerations to bail bond companies and filing same in court file.
Coordinates with the County Clerk’s Office relative to monitoring the status of bonds, including the refund of bonds.
Prepares reports regarding various bond status actions for all criminal cased filed in Superior Court.
Updates the list of eligible bond companies and their agents as needed throughout the year; monitors the justification of all bond companies annually.
Transmits court orders regarding bond company suspensions, agent suspensions, forfeitures and other orders to respective parties associated with the operation of bond companies or their agents.
Responds to requests from prosecutors, public defenders, bond companies, jail staff and other agencies, regarding the status of defendants and their bonds.
Collaborates with ISD to maximize utilization and enhance the case/bond tracking applications.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
Family Court Facilitator Program
Acts as an intermediary between the superior court and the public or other clients providing information or policy interpretation regarding a wide variety of sensitive issues requiring the highest degree of tact, judgment and confidentiality. May receive and resolve or refer citizen complaints. Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; answers inquiries in person and in written correspondence or may interview people regarding problems or complaints.
Assesses needs and provides information and technical assistance to pro-se litigants. Identifies needed forms and documents and assists pro-se litigants in complying with statutory requirements, local court rules, court procedures, including meeting reporting requirements and possible consequences for failure to comply. Reviews documents prior to filing in the Clerk’s Office.
Compiles and schedules weekly court calendars. Prepares court files, attends non-contested dockets, and assists pro-se litigants with court required documents.
Assists in the development and distribution of pro-se information packets, brochures, and instructional materials related to responsibilities and court requirements.
Refers litigants to legal assistance, social services, or other community services, as appropriate. Updates and maintains community referral lists for family law related issues, providing instruction and training sources as appropriate.
Assists pro-se litigants in filing appropriate paperwork, including but not limited to summons and petitions, notice of hearing, declarations, contempt affidavits, general orders, motions, and certificates of service for Dissolution, Parenting Plan, Parentage, Minor Guardianship/Emergency Minor Guardianship, Contempt, Modification of Parenting Plan, Modification of Child Support, Modification of Non-Parental Custody, Temporary Orders, Emergency Temporary Orders, Motion to Vacate, Motion to Terminate/Modify Temporary Orders, Motion for Revision, Motion for Reconsideration actions.
Educates and/or trains pro-se litigants, members of the public, and other staff members in various petitions, processes, local and state court rules, local policies, requirements, and forms. Assists with questions and paperwork as necessary.
Minimum Requirements
An Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Communications, Social Sciences or a related field, AND
Two years of administrative experience, including one (1) year in a court, judicial or legal setting.
An equivalent combination of related education, training and/or experience providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
Selection Factors
Knowledge of Superior Court rules, practices, procedures, laws and regulations, legal terminology and case processing procedures as they pertain to various aspects of the assigned program.
Knowledge of research procedures and statistical analysis.
Knowledge of computer applications and utilization in a court environment.
Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with judges, attorneys, agencies and the public.
Ability to prepare and/or assist in the completion and distribution of reports, forms, notices and other court documents accurately, appropriately and effectively.
Ability to work independently within program parameters and expectations.
Ability to work quickly, accurately and thoroughly with close attention to detail.
Ability to exercise careful judgment, diplomacy and tact and perform all tasks with confidentiality
Ability to communicate and work effectively with persons of diverse ages, social, economic, cultural and educational backgrounds.
Ability to work efficiently and effectively under stressful circumstances.
Ability to use standard office equipment including, phones, copiers, calculators, fax machines, computer and related software applications.
SPOKANE COUNTY
Employee Benefits Summary
The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.
PAID TIME OFF
Spokane County Observed Holidays
Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.
PTO
Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.
Vacation
For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).
Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.
Other Leaves
Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Medical Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).
2024 Rates:
Premera
Employee Only: $38.04 per month
Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month
Employee & Family: $209.60 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month
Kaiser:
Employee: $35.92 per month
Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month
Employee & Family: $196.06 per month
Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month
Dental Insurance
Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.
2024 Rates:
Delta Dental Willamette Dental
Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month
Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month
Group Life Insurance
The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Long Term Disability Coverage
Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.
RETIREMENT
Retirement Plan (401a)
Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.
Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)
Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.
VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.
Travel Assistance
Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.
Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program
Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.
Wellness Programs
There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.
Discounts
There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.
Agency
Spokane County
Address
824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260
Phone
509-477-5750
Website
http://www.spokanecounty.org/employment