THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE SHASTA COUNTY

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE VACANCIES

SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS” SECTION REGARDING

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE, SECTION 6450

AND POSSESSION OF A VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER’S LICENSE

RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED

APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED WEEKLY UNTIL POSITIONS ARE FILLED

FINAL FILING DATE: CONTINUOUS

SALARY INFORMATION

PARALEGAL I: $3,905 – $4,984 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $22.53 – $28.76 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

PARALEGAL II: $4,327 - $5,522 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $24.96 - $31.86 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*

This position is in the UPEC - General bargaining unit. Please refer to the applicable bargaining unit labor agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) for potential future salary increases: Shasta County Labor Agreements

This is a continuous recruitment that is open until the needs of the County are met.
This recruitment can be used for multiple vacancies within the County.
This is a continuous recruitment which means applicants are only able to apply once every six months to this specific recruitment.
Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY

Shasta County offers all of the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The District Attorney’s office is comprised of three main units: The Prosecution Unit, the Bureau of Investigations, and the Crime Victims Assistance Center.

The District Attorney acts as the public prosecutor for all crimes committed in Shasta County. The Prosecution Unit evaluates all reported crimes to determine if sufficient evidence exists to prosecute individuals for felony and misdemeanor offenses. In those cases where the prosecution unit finds sufficient evidence, a criminal prosecution is undertaken.

The District Attorney is empowered to conduct independent investigations. The investigators employed by the District Attorney are sworn peace officers who work in the Bureau of Investigations.

The Crime Victims Assistance Center (CVAC) meets the needs of victims in our community through collaborative services provided with courteous, efficient professionalism. The goal is to graciously serve our community members by assisting and advocating for safety, healing, justice and restitution. CVAC provides support and resources to people in our community who have been victimized. The criminal justice process is often confusing and overwhelming and our CVAC unit helps victims navigate the process.

The office is also supported by a Fiscal team, in-house IT department, Community Education team, and administrative professionals. These hard-working individuals ensure efficient operations throughout the department and provide support for their specific units.

Learn more about the District Attorney’s office:

ABOUT THE POSITION

Paralegal I: Under close supervision of attorney staff, provides paraprofessional legal support work including legal research and legal document preparation requiring knowledge of legal theory and procedures and to perform related duties as required.

Paralegal II: Under general supervision of attorney staff, provides paraprofessional legal support work including legal research and legal document preparation requiring knowledge of legal theory and procedures and to perform related duties as required.

Paralegals are required to adhere to the B&P codes as defined in the special requirement section. For clarification purposes, option 4 of the special requirements notates that applicant has completed paralegal training prior to December 2003. Additionally, supporting documents must be submitted at the time of application submission.

In addition to the B&P code, minimum qualifications include experience in a public or private law office.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Paralegal I: This paraprofessional classification performs a variety of legal tasks under the supervision of attorney staff. Incumbents will generally receive assignments involving the preparation and analysis of legal documents, routine legal research and application of technical knowledge involving legal theory and procedures. Incumbents may also train clerical staff. Paralegal I is the entry-level paraprofessional classification in the Paralegal series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine paralegal duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work decreases as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.

Paralegal II: This paraprofessional classification performs a variety of legal tasks under the supervision of attorney staff. Incumbents will generally receive assignments involving the preparation and analysis of legal documents, routine legal research and application of technical knowledge involving legal theory and procedures. Incumbents may also train clerical staff. Paralegal II is the fully qualified journey-level paraprofessional classification in the Paralegal series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for this position is:

Highly organized and detail-oriented
A strong communicator who can work cooperatively with attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, outside agencies, and the community
Experienced in criminal prosecution or a strong interest in prosecution work
Experienced in legal research, writing, and analytical work
Comfortable preparing and assisting with a wide range of legal documents
Experienced in reviewing discovery and trial transcripts, as well as familiarity with resentencing petitions, expungements, and registration relief, is highly desirable

The successful candidate will be:

Proactive, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Must demonstrate sound judgment and discretion with confidential information, and have a commitment to providing high-quality support to attorneys

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Paralegal I/II: Performs paralegal services for attorney staff; researches legal issues and reviews statutes and other municipal codes/ordinances, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and other documents; drafts routine pleadings, briefs, appeals and other litigation related documents including, but not limited to, petitions, complaints, answers, and declarations; reviews and summarizes deposition and hearing transcripts; assists staff in tracking existing and proposed legislation; provides legislative history and status reports; contacts attorneys and others to coordinate calendars, meetings and the conduct of legal business; organizes and maintains litigation and non-litigation files and materials; organizes document control in situations involving voluminous documents; may appear in court in a support capacity for attorneys; performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:

Knowledge of: Procedures involved in finding relevant material in standard legal reference books; methods and techniques of legal research, discovery and fact investigation; civil procedure; principles of legal writing legal concepts, terminology, phraseology, forms, documents, principles, procedures and practices; federal, state, and local court processes and procedures; general operation of the court system; computer equipment and applications utilized by the department; office methods and practices, procedures, supplies and equipment; proper English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation; business correspondence and report writing; basic principles and techniques of training and supervision.

Ability to: Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; understand and carry out complex oral and written directions; independently gather information and prepare reports and correspondence; research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to legal issues; organize large amounts of data, facts and research; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; read and understand federal and state court decisions, statutes, regulations and legal documents; draft legal documents and pleadings; analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; interpret and apply laws, rules and written and oral directions to specific situations requiring the use of independent judgment and minimal supervision; use sound judgment within the scope and limit of authority delegated; manage assigned workload; operate personal computers and utilize computer applications used by the department; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships; follow workplace safety policies and procedures. Work primarily in an office environment including sitting at a desk working with computer equipment, on the phone and in meetings for prolonged periods; regularly working with files and with general office equipment; travel to and take notes in Court.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Paralegal I: Two (2) years of secretarial or clerical office support experience preparing a variety of legal documents in a public or private law office.

Paralegal II: Two (2) years of paralegal experience comparable to a Paralegal I with Shasta County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following, as required by Business & Professions Code, section 6450:

(1) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.

(2) A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

(3) A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

(4) A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

Additionally, incumbents in this class are required to fulfill the mandatory continuing education requirements as defined by the California Business and Professions Code, section 6450 (d).

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.

Do you possess clerical experience in a law office? Yes / No

Please select all of the following that you possess:

A certificate of completion from a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
A certificate of completion from a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
None of the above

I acknowledge this position is in an office that works closely with victims of crime and that some tasks required in this role may involve reading police reports, hearing stories about victimization, exposure to graphic materials, and speaking with victims on the phone or in person. Yes / No

I acknowledge this position may require possession of a valid California driver’s license. Yes / No

I acknowledge that if I did not include the appropriate attachments to support my response to supplemental question number 3, my application may not be considered for advancement. Yes / No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.

Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit DOJ Right to Work Poster (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flier.

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the United Public Employees of California – General Unit.

Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% of their pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at Shasta County Employee Benefits for additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until positions are filled. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will not be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.

Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.

Veterans' Credit: Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.

Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.

Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Shasta County Personnel

1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515

Shasta County

ABOUT_COMPANY

Paralegal I/II

Legal Secretary I/II