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
- 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.
Abilities
- 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.
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.
Residency
Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference
Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
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.