PARALEGAL

The purpose of the class is to research law, investigate facts and prepare documents to assist County Solicitors in the preparation and prosecution of cases, and to perform related work as assigned. The class works within a general outline of work to be performed, develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary . Conducts thorough investigations of criminal cases being prosecuted by the Solicitor’s Office; assists other local, state and federal agencies with investigations. Gathers and analyzes new evidence, follows new leads as necessary. Reviews evidence; interviews witnesses, victims and defendants; obtains police reports, criminal records, investigative reports, forensic reports, and witness/victim/defendant statements for use in case investigation and presentation. Researches case law for use in case investigation and prosecution. Conducts NCIC checks on each file and investigates missing dispositions within NCIC records. Compiles information for and prepares investigative reports. Prepares and distributes the trial docket on a monthly basis to all relevant parties. Responds to discovery requests and supplemental discovery. Schedules pre-trial conferences with victims, witnesses, defendants, law enforcement agents and attorneys; assists attorneys with pre-trial conferences and negotiations and with trial preparation. Requests and obtains certified convictions of witnesses as needed for trial. Generates RAP sheets for witnesses in preparation for trial. Notifies bondsmen, defendants and attorneys of trial / plea dates. Distributes bond cards to defendants and attorneys. Prepares and delivers subpoenas to witnesses and law enforcement officers; prepares necessary paperwork for bench warrants. Files and serves court orders. Assists with the preparation of indictments, waivers and other legal documents. Attends plea court to register defendants’ pleas. Assists law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations as appropriate. Provides Sexual Predator Parole Board with requested information as requested. Attends training, seminars, workshops, etc., as necessary to maintain job knowledge, skills and certifications. Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

INVOLVEMENT WITH DATA, PEOPLE, AND THINGS

DATA INVOLVEMENT : Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information. PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT : Requires giving information, guidance, or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants. INVOLVEMENT WITH THINGS : Requires handling or using machines, tools, or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones, or other similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

REASONING REQUIREMENTS : Requires performing work involving the application of logical principles and thinking to solve practical problems within or applying to a unit or division of the organization. MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS : Requires using addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS : Requires reading journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; composing original reports and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style. MENTAL REQUIREMENTS : Requires doing professional-level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; or the coordination of entry‑level managerial work; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressures.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE PREPARATION

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION : Requires Associate’s degree, vocational technical degree or specialized training that is equivalent to satisfactory completion of two (2) years of college education with emphasis in criminal justice or a closely related field. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : One (1) year of related work experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES :

Must possess a valid state driver's license. Must possess NCIC certification. Must possess Paralegal certification. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy basic law enforcement certification is desirable.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS : Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS : The job risks exposure to no known environmental hazards. SENSORY REQUIREMENTS : The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking ability, and color perception.

JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS

Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Pickens County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr Pickens County, South Carolina