Self Help Assistant I/II/III

Job Overview Under direct supervision of the Family Law Facilitator, Senior Attorney/Self-help Coordinator or other staff attorney, the Court Self‑Help Assistant classification assists self‑represented litigants with a variety of legal issues; assesses legal problems and presents options and the correct legal procedure for the situation; uses the Court's computerized file‑management system to identify the customer's file history; assists the Family Law Facilitator, Senior Attorney/Self‑help, and other staff attorneys with a variety of paraprofessional legal duties; and performs other duties as required. The Court Self‑Help Assistant I is the entry position and the trainee classification of the series. Incumbents perform a variety of legal administrative duties associated with the operations of the self‑help centers while learning to apply specialized court/legal practices and procedures applicable to those functions. The Court Self‑Help Assistant II is the working level of the series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of administrative duties in support of the court's self‑help centers and must demonstrate an understanding of the court's policies, procedures, operational units, and of legal resources including community partners and agencies available to self‑represented litigants. The Court Self‑Help Assistant III is the full‑journey level and provides technical expertise in support of the self‑help centers. Incumbents regularly perform the full range of administrative duties, lead tasks, and possess a full understanding of the court's operational units, policies, procedures, and resources available to self‑represented litigants. Responsibilities Assist self‑represented litigants from a wide range of socio‑economic backgrounds with completion of legal forms and providing legal information. Interview and triage self‑represented litigants, assessing their legal problems and determining the appropriate next steps. Identify non‑routine cases, seek specific direction from the supervising attorney, and provide assistance in accordance with those directions. Explain legal procedures and provide legal information to self‑represented litigants one‑on‑one and in group or workshop settings. Assist the Family Law Facilitator, Senior Attorney/Self‑help Coordinator, and other staff attorneys with a variety of para‑professional legal duties. Make phone calls, gather materials, conduct internet research, and prepare or update forms and flyers. Education and Experience Level I Two (2) years of legal administrative experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, with a minimum of one (1) year providing legal information and completing or updating legal forms or documents, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. OR completion of a certified paralegal program and one (1) year of relevant experience. Level II Minimum three (3) years of experience providing legal information and updating legal forms or documents, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. OR completion of an accredited paralegal program and two (2) years of relevant experience. OR one (1) year as a Court Self‑Help Assistant I. Level III Minimum five (5) years of experience providing legal information and updating legal forms or documents, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. OR completion of an accredited paralegal program and three (3) years of relevant experience. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of: Court policies and procedures. Legal principles. Legal terminology. Basic communication skills, including questioning and investigative interviewing techniques. Skill and Ability to: Effectively communicate in writing, in person, and on the telephone with self‑represented litigants, court personnel, and community partners. Provide exceptional customer service. Operate proficiently in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Prioritize, maintain, and coordinate a heavy workload. Research statutory laws and rules of court and apply them to the completion and processing of legal documents. Remain abreast of new laws, amendments, and local rules related to assigned duties and responsibilities. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Maintain confidential information according to legal standards and/or court regulations. Operate standard office equipment, including computers and copy machines. Complete and/or update legal forms for a supervising attorney's review. #J-18808-Ljbffr Superior Court of California, County of Ventura