Paralegal

Salary: $24.53 - $32.88 Hourly
Location : Oroville/Chico Area, CA
Job Type: Regular Help
Job Number: 2613311116
Department: County Wide Classification
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


Summary
This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2026.
The current vacancy is in the Children Services Division of the Department of Employment and Social Services.
The eligibility list created from this recruitment may be used to fill any current or future vacancies in ANY Butte County Department.
Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, conducts legal research and prepares cases and legal documents in support of Butte County attorneys and in accordance with policies, procedures, and state, federal, and local laws; and performs related duties as assigned.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.


CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is journey-level classification in the administrative assistant series. Positions at this level perform the full range of duties as assigned, work independently, and exercise 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. This class is distinguished from the Senior Paralegal in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and provides technical and functional direction to assigned technical and legal office support staff.

Essential Job Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Researches and analyzes criminal and civil law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, and legal codes; documents and presents findings; maintains and updates department legal information, procedures, and reference materials.
• Drafts responses to legal questions, legal opinions, appeals, pleadings, subpoenas, interrogatories, requests for production, deposition notices, resolutions, settlement agreements, contracts, collections, and other legal correspondence and documents.
• Prepares and proofs legal documents such as briefs, petitions, motions, affidavits, and other documents for attorney use in cases and/or court.
• Assists attorneys in preparing litigation and prosecution cases and determining actions by investigating facts and case law, reading and reviewing reports, acquiring background information, contacting and interviewing witnesses, victims, and other participants in the legal process, and contacting attorneys and others associated with cases to gather pertinent information; reviews and recommends case strategy.
• Tracks the course and deadlines of cases; organizes trial orders, schedules, and court filings; tracks legal documents and routes to defendants, attorneys, and courts for processing.
• Assists at trials, hearings, deposition, and strategy meetings.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed case files; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and established records retention schedules including archiving, scanning, and destructing files.
• Researches, compiles, and summarizes data from various sources and prepares a variety of reports for internal and external audiences according to established procedures and practices.
• Receives, processes, and responds to public records requests, complaints, and other requests for information; researches and organizes information; coordinates resolution to problems and issues.
• Performs a variety of legal administrative and office support duties requiring knowledge of assigned department, legal processes and procedures, and operational details.
• Completes special projects as assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques or legal research, discovery, fact investigation, and standard legal reference materials.
• Court systems, processes, and procedures.
• Processes and procedures related to criminal and civil case processing for prosecution and litigation.
• Principles and practices of case file management and recordkeeping.
• Investigative interviewing techniques.
• Business and legal correspondence writing and the legal format for reports, contracts, agreements, correspondence, memoranda, and related documents.
• Methods of preparing and processing various legal records, reports, forms, contracts, agreements, case files, and other legal documents.
• Operations, services, programs, policies, procedures, and processes of the department to which the position is assigned.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Perform varied and responsible legal research, case preparation, and legal document preparation work, requiring the use of independent judgment and discretion, with accuracy and speed.
• Compose clear and concise legal reports, correspondence, case files, contracts, agreements, memoranda, and other written materials independently or from brief instructions.
• Prepare and process various legal records, reports, forms, contracts, agreements, case files, and other documents specific to assigned department.
• Maintain confidentiality of information received.
• Research, analyze, and compile case information from a variety of sources.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply all pertinent laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to work performed.
• Establish and maintain a variety of case file management, legal recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school diploma or equivalent GED certificate; and

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

Certifications and Licenses:

• Certification by the California State Bar Association as a certified law student per California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42; OR meet the qualifications of a Paralegal per California Business & Professions Code Section 6450.
• Must possess a valid US driver's license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver's license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Teamsters-Mid Management Benefits Summary

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Salary Step Increases:
The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

Longevity Pay: 2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.


Cell Phone Allowance:
County issued cell phone or $70/month allowance with appointing authority approval.


Uniform Allowance:

$14.00-$21.00/mo. For eligible classifications only. Varies by classification.


Public Safety Dispatcher Pay:
Employees that possess an Intermediate POST Dispatcher Certificate will receive an additional 3.5% of base pay, 4.5% for Advanced POST Dispatcher Certificate, and 2.5% for Supervisory POST Dispatcher Certificate.


Boot Allowance:
$200.04 for each year, paid in monthly installments. Effective January 3, 2026, the $200.04 boot allowance set forth above shall expire, and all members of this Unit shall be eligible for a work boot/footwear reimbursement up to $275.00 annually. For eligible classifications only.


Holidays:
13 paid holidays per year.


Vacation:
0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr.


Administrative Leave:
7 days per year for FLSA Exempt employees.


Sick Leave:
96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.


Bereavement Leave:
Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.


Health Plan including Dental Insurance and Vision Insurance:
Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1438.42/month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $550.00 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees).

Teamsters-Mid Management Medical Insurance Plans and Rates

Life Insurance:
The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.


Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.


"Classic Members"- 2% @ 55 . Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1/1/2013.


"New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62. Final compensation based on Highest Three-Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1/2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.
"New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an "1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1/1/2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer


Deferred Compensation:
The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.


Disability Insurance:
For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.


Flexible Spending Program:
County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and/or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.


Tuition Reimbursement:
Up to $500/year.


Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.
Refer to specific labor agreements (BCEA-General) for additional benefit information.


BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Butte County Human Resources Department
3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965
View phone number on click.appcast.io


Comments, please email:
01


Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by paralegal or law-related coursework; andTwo (2) years of general secretarial or clerical office support experience preparing a variety of legal documents in a public or private law office.***Answer must be supported by work experience detailed in this application.Please explain how you meet the minimum qualifications listed. In your explanation, please include reference to work experience detailed in this application.
02


Do you possess Certification by the California State Bar Association as a certified law student per California Rules of Court, Rule 9.42?**you MUST attached certificate to this application in order to qualify for this recruitment

• Yes
• No

03


If NO to the previous question; you MUST meet the qualifications of a Paralegal per California Business & Professions Code Section 6450.Qualifications of a Paralegal per California Business & Professions Code Section 6450 are that a paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:Please choose what you possess that meets this qualification.

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association. **you MUST attach the certificate to this application in order to qualify for this recruitment
• 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. **you MUST attached certificate/degree to this application in order to qualify for this recruitment
• 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. **you MUST attached degree/written declaration to this application in order to qualify for this recruitment
• 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 PRIOR TO December 31, 2003. **You MUST attached degree/written declaration to this application in order to qualify for this recruitment
• None of the above

04


Your responses to the questions and any information in your application may be used to make a better assessment of your qualifications. This questionnaire may be used to rate your qualifications and to determine your ranking on the eligible list. Thus, it is to your advantage to be as clear and thorough as possible when completing the supplemental questions.Please explain how you meet the qualifications to support your answer to previous question #3.
05


What answer accurately reflects the number of years' experience you have performing clerical office support and preparing a variety of legal documents in a public or private law office?***One year equals 2,080 hours.

• Less than one
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 5-6 years
• More than 6 years

06


What is your highest level of education completed?

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Some college
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher
• None of the above

07


Do you possess a US Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

08


How did you discover this job opportunity?

• Butte County Website
• Butte County Human Resources Social Media
• CareersInGovernment.com
• County Employee
• Craigslist.com
• Facebook
• Friend or Relative (word of mouth)
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Handshake
• Indeed.com
• Job Fair
• Job Interest Card - GovernmentJobs.com
• Linkedin
• Newspaper - Paper or Online
• Departmental Email
• Radio
• Magazine
• Billboard
• Other

Required Question