New job Administrative Assistant in Colorado

Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense representation. It operates as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with approximately 900 dedicated and zealous individuals assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices across the state, an Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office.

The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties, and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.

We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to public service and committed to serving our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.

Full time entry-level Administrative Assistant position available in the Steamboat Springs Public Defender’s Office. Individual must have strong customer service skills and be patient with and supportive of indigent people charged with crimes. Working environment is fast-paced and has a high volume of telephone calls, clientele, and interruptions. Ability to multitask and work independently is a must.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs routine clerical duties of a legal nature following established office procedures. There is some variety in the performance of assigned work procedures. Assignments may include a combination of clerical and receptionist functions. Provides routine administrative and clerical support to clients, administrative staff, attorneys and investigators, under the direct supervision of the Office Manager and Supervising and Managing Attorneys. Successfully participates in training, and consistently acquires experience and expertise in office and court processes, case file management techniques, ethical procedures, and client service principles.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accurate and timely completion and processing of documents and information.
• Handle reception area of office in a professional, courteous and compassionate manner. Greet and assist incoming clients, other agency personnel and co-workers.
• Answer busy telephones in a professional and courteous manner, assisting callers to the best of ability. This Involves learning a phone system with multiple lines and voice mail, screening calls, taking messages, greeting clients and referring people to the appropriate person and/or agency.
• Ability to quickly learn and operate current case management database system. This may include opening, closing and updating client files in the system.
• Understanding and implementing eligibility guidelines and procedures. Assisting clients in completing applications for public defender and processing those applications according to state and regional office policy.
• Process mail according to office policy.
• Understanding of closed file policy and organization of closed file room.
• The operation of office equipment such as copiers, fax machines, personal computers or similar keyboards, sorters, printers, etc.
• Ability to understand and perform “court run” activities. Includes preparation, sorting and distribution of documents to appropriate personnel and/or agencies. Requires a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Performing calendaring tasks for attorneys and office as assigned.
• The ability to multitask successfully is an essential skill for this position.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or equivalent required.
• No prior experience required.
• Knowledge of standard office computer programs such as word processing, web-based search programs, and basic spreadsheet programs a plus but not required.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish helpful.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; use hands and fingers and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

It is frequently subject to interruptions, and multiple calls and inquiries. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Occasionally, handles emergency or crisis situations.

Submit résumé and cover letter via e-mail outlining reasons for applying with the Public Defender’s Office to:

Agency: Steamboat Springs Public Defender’s Office

Attention: Erin Biggs, Office Manager

Email: [email protected]

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each submission. We will notify you by phone and/or e-mail if you are selected for an interview.

BENEFITS

For a summary of employee benefits (health, dental, life and disability) please visit: https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/. Other benefits include retirement plan options through Colorado PERA www.copera.org, ten paid holidays a year, and paid-time-off for personal and sick leave.

Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found at:

http://www.coloradodefenders.us/

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact Laura Darrow at, [email protected].