LEGAL ASSISTANT I

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LEGAL ASSISTANT I

Salary

$4,809.00 - $7,695.00 Monthly

Location

Sterling, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

SCF 3008 Legal Assistant 5.24

Department

Department of Corrections

Opening Date

05/22/2024

Closing Date

6/17/2024 4:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

Sterling, CO

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

molly.halbach@state.co.us 719-723-3896

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Type of Announcement

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Department Information

Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

This position is located in Sterling, CO.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Please take a moment and click here to look at the opportunities our agency has to offer! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScVwSBPmy7o)

Colorado Department of Corrections Mission: We are a team of dynamic and diverse professionals building a safer Colorado by cultivating transformative opportunities for those under our supervision.

Our Vision ..."Building a safer Colorado for today and tomorrow".

CORE Values

Community Safety

Dignity, Diversity and Respect

Opportunity

Collaborative partnerships

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

In addition to a great agency and rewarding, meaningful work, we offer:

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans;

• Medical and dental health plans;

• Short and long term disability coverage;

• Paid life insurance;

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;

• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more.

Description of Job

This position assists adult offenders classified at various security levels, to include disabled offenders, regarding the use of legal materials and the selection and preparation of legal documents; monitor the daily operations and insure the security of assigned facility law libraries to maintain a secure work environment within a penal setting; to provide alternative legal access to those offenders who do not have physical access to a law library; acts as a liaison for offenders and DOC staff; provide offenders with photocopies of legal materials; receive, log, deliver all photocopied loan material; log, prepare loan sheets, enter statistical information into computer to facilitate the production of monthly statistical reports by supervisor; monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing; provide notary services; supervise, hire and terminate offender clerks; provide appropriate services to offenders on behavioral management plans; interview and provide assistance to offenders pursuant to program policies and procedures; may be responsible for more than one facility law library. All other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.

Job duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides legal research assistance to offenders and staff to find proper legal authority; analyze DOC staff and offender legal problems to assist in resolving legal problems and identify frivolous issues;

• Monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing;

• Identify, categorize and log, material submitted to be photocopied and deliver to requesting offenders to provide access to the courts; provide legal materials to offenders upon request to provide access to the courts;

• Collects, compiles and enters data into computer to facilitate preparation of monthly statistical reports on offender access, photocopy usage, loan of legal materials and hours of operation by supervisor;

• Maintain and log data on supply and equipment use to assure compliance with program policies and assure accurate inventories are maintained;

• Search law libraries for contraband pursuant to state statute and facility regulations to provide a secure working environment for staff and offenders;

• Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.

Note: Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC Facilities throughout the state.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Education:

Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution. (Copies must be attached to your application to receive credit.)

Substitution:

Two years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate. (This experience must be clearly described, in your own words, within the work experience section of your application to meet this requirement.)

A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required

certificate. (You must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts with your name, college name, degree and date conferred in order to receive credit.)

Required Competencies:

• Proficient legal research skills;

• Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;

• Efficient and accurate analyzing of data/information skills;

• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;

• Impeccable organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills;

• Precise attention to details;

• Strong initiative and self motivation;

• Effective critical thinking and decision making;

• Established proficiency in position-related office technologies especially Microsoft Office Suite;

• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;

• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;

• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines;

• Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.

ONLY APPLICANTS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE VACANCY WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS PROCESS.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The Assessment Process : Your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum Qualifications (MQ's). Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application material and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Be sure the “Work Experience” section of your application is complete and specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, and accomplishments as they relate to the Description of the Job , Minimum Qualifications , Required Competencies and Preferred Qualifications as listed above. Resumes and “see resume” statements will not be accepted in lieu of the “Work Experience” section of the application. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the closing date may result in your application not being accepted and/or may affect your score, rank or inclusion in the final pool of eligible applicants.

If you have transcripts, a license or other relevant documentation regarding your qualifications, upload and attach copies to your application.

If an unofficial copy of transcripts is being submitted at the time of application, transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and must be included as part of your application materials. Failure to provide a transcript or credential evaluation report may prevent your application from moving forward in the selection process.

In order to process a background investigation, your application must include at least (10) ten years of the most current work experience unless experience related to the job for which you are applying is later than (10) years. Failure to provide this information could result in delays and/or elimination from the background investigation process

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

You are encouraged to print a copy of this announcement for your records

Conditions of Employment: All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.

• Must be 21 years of age;

• Possess a valid driver’s license;

• Possess a high school diploma or GED;

• Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.

• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. CDOC uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. CDOC does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.

• Successfully pass all modules of the Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension , relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics;

• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics;

• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist;

• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down;

• Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows;

• Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows;

• Swing a baton in a striking technique;

• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic;

• Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions;

• Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment;

• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security;

• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury;

• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently;

• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations;

• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner;

• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders;

• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments;

• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings;

• Willing and able to travel;

• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule;

• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire;

• Employees may be required to submit to regular serial testing and reporting for COVID-19.

  Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Should applicant’s background reveal criminal charges, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to provide the Department of Corrections with written/official disposition of any charges.

  The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees (see exception below) may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

  Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.

  Appeal Rights: If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

  An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

  For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov ; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

Supplemental Information

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

After submitting an application, you should receive an immediate email acknowledging your submission. If you do not get the email, please check to ensure you have actually submitted the application and typed the correct email address on the application.

Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked daily as time sensitive correspondence WILL take place via email. You may receive email notifications from a Colorado Dept. of Corrections employee or from this email address: info@governmentjobs.com. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email; if you do not receive correspondence soon after the closing date or if you have questions about this job announcement, please contact Molly Halbach at molly.halbach@state.co.us .

SCHEDULED DATES OF POSSIBLE APPLICANT ASSESSMENTS (I.E., EXAMS, ORAL BOARDS, WRITTEN EXAMS) WILL NOT BE MADE UP. IF YOU FAIL TO SHOW AT THE APPOINTED DATE/TIME, MAKE-UPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Ana Andersen , at doc_employeerelations@state.co.us or call 719-226-4401 .

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

By clicking below, you acknowledge that this position is located in Sterling, CO only; that no other locations will be considered and that your name will be removed from the eligibility list should you decline to interview or decline an offer from this location. Do you acknowledge this?

• Yes

• No

  02

  By clicking below, you acknowledge that the selections process may consist primarily of a review of your application, documents submitted, supplemental questions against the minimum qualifications, required competencies and preferred qualifications. Your responses will also be evaluated on ability to follow instructions, clarity, conciseness, organization, grammar, spelling and word choice. Do you acknowledge this?

• I so acknowledge.

  03

  This position requires a Paralegal Certificate obtained through either an ABA approved paralegal studies program or an accredited college or university. Did you attach your Paralegal Certificate?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Based on the job description, and required competencies in the job announcement, clearly describe why you are the best candidate for this position. Include how your accomplishments, qualifications, skills, areas of expertise, personal characteristics, etc., make you a good fit for this position.

  05

  Please explain in detail any of the Preferred Qualifications (listed in the job announcement) that you possess.

  06

  By clicking below, you acknowledge that you have completed the application in its entirety, scanned and uploaded all required documents, and that failing to do so could result in your application not being accepted. Do you acknowledge this?

• I so acknowledge.

  07

  Certification and Confidentiality Statement

I certify that:

--I understand that this, my completed Application, the attached Supplemental Questions, and my responses are confidential and that I have neither consulted with others nor received assistance in the preparation, writing, or editing of my responses and the information contained herein is in my own words and was prepared and completed solely by me and only me.

--All the information I have provided herein is true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and is made in good faith.

--I have not communicated the confidential information of this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions in any way to other candidates, potential candidates, subject matter experts, or any person.

--I understand that if the confidential information in this, my Application and the attached Supplemental Questions and/or my responses, are found to have been falsified, plagiarized, or shared in any way, I may be disqualified or removed from the position if appointed.

• I agree to the terms and conditions of this Certification and Confidentiality Statement.

  Required Question

Agency

State of Colorado

Address

See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

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Website

https://careers.colorado.gov/

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