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Paralegal 1 Jurisdiction: Schuyler County Jurisdictional Class: Competitive Adopted: March 1, 2004; Revised July 16, 2007; Reviewed: July 5, 2011 PARALEGAL DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for the performing responsible Paralegal duties either in the Schuyler County Department of Social Services or the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office. A Paralegal is also responsible for performing a variety of high level clerical and administrative duties for the department. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Social Services or the District Attorney, with considerable leeway for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Performs legal and other research; Gathers information and prepares reports; Prepares, and disseminates a variety of documents, reports and correspondence; Attends meetings, hearings, and court proceedings; Prepares and files legal pleadings, affidavits, proposed Court orders, and other documents with the appropriate Courts within the time frame set by statute; Maintains case files—opens, reviews, closes, and coordinates records retention; Maintains document logs and acts on documents according to schedule; Maintains reference materials and forms; Attends training sessions or classes; Supervises and trains other employees (if applicable). Duties Performed by Paralegal in Social Services Department: Represents Social Services Department at Fair Hearings for all program areas especially public assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, employment and personal care; May require contact with client/representative to see if an agreement can be reached; Assures that fair hearing decisions are followed through by workers (through supervisors); Prepares legal pleadings and briefs for presentation by County Attorney in court actions arising out of primary duties, i.e., Article 78 preceding resulting from fair hearing decisions; Conducts witness interviews; Accepts fraud referrals, researching to determine if potential fraud exists; if so, referral to Sheriff’s Department, court testimony may be required; Notifies supervisor of fraud decisions; Recoups overpayments from closed cases including court ordered restitution, maintaining logbook, sending out letters to clients, pursuing court ordered judgment; Assists Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner in writing contracts, following up to make sure that contracts meet county requirements before being forwarded to County Attorney for approval and legislative signature; Performs other duties as assigned by employer. ---PAGE BREAK--- Paralegal 2 Duties Performed by Paralegal in District Attorney’s Office: Acts as receptionist in office, answering phone and greeting visitors, giving or receiving information, acting on information or referring as appropriate; Schedules appointments; Coordinates with all Courts to insure that all criminal defendants are transported to the appropriate Courts on the appropriate dates; Prepares supporting documents to supports requests to produce defendants; Manages departmental grants including reviewing applications and budgets, meeting deadlines, maintaining grant records, keeping logs, preparing reports and budget amendments, and maintaining contact with grant administrators; Orders criminal histories and driving abstracts of criminal defendants; Inserts all case files into the Prosecutors Case Management System; Prepares grand jury calendar, indictments and superior court information for review of attorneys; Contacts grand jurors to schedule all appointments and court appearances; Drafts and files for service all office subpoenas; Schedules all court police officers for court sessions; Arranges for court reporter appearances and arranges for payment; Arranges for payment of all witness subpoena fees; Schedules all court hearing dates with attorneys and judges; Prepares and maintains Indictment book; Makes travel arrangements for extradition of criminal defendants from other jurisdictions; Drafts legal proceedings for asset forfeiture; Performs other duties as assigned by employer. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of Laws and Regulations pertaining to department; Good knowledge of legal instruments and documents; Working knowledge of public record keeping systems; Ability to research and understand complex material; Ability to prepare legal documents; Ability to work independently with minimum of supervision; Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and records; Ability to establish effective working relationships with public, department, court, etc.; Skill in researching legal documents; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s degree in Paralegal studies or related field; or Two years of paralegal experience in a law office; or An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of and above.