CDOC - Legal Assistant I (Canon City)

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERA retirement plan

Medical & dental plans

Disability coverage

Paid life insurance

11 holidays + vacation & sick leave

Wellness program & tuition assistance

Bi-weekly pay

Job summary

State of Colorado seeks a Paralegal to assist adult offenders with legal research and the preparation of legal documents within a secure facility setting. You will monitor offender law libraries, provide notary services, and coordinate photocopying and loan processes to ensure access to courts.

Responsibilities include data entry for monthly statistical reports, supervising offender clerks, and ensuring compliance with program policies.

Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate from ABA-approved program or accredited institution required.
• Two years of paralegal experience including legal research and drafting legal documents; substitution allowed with certification.
• Paralegal certificate must be obtained within 9 months of hiring; J.D. may substitute for certificate.
• Complete all relevant work experience details in the application; 'See resume' not accepted for compensation purposes.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal research assistance to offenders and staff to find proper legal authority.
• Monitor and manage offender legal access computers and legal research programs.
• Log and deliver photocopied materials and maintain loan sheets for monthly reports.
• Maintain inventories and data for monthly statistics; support program policies and procedures.
• Supervise offender clerks and provide notary services; other duties as assigned.

Skills

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Written & oral comms

Data analysis

Multitasking

Organization

Attention to detail

Self-motivation

Critical thinking

Education

Paralegal certificate

Juris Doctorate substitute

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Department Information

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies at this location.

Why Join Us

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and builds greater public confidence in good government, consider joining the dedicated people of the State of Colorado. Our professionals strive to support state government and the citizens of Colorado. Customer service is a key component for every position in state government as is the focus on ideas and ways to redesign the delivery of services in making state government more effective and efficient.

Benefits & Perks

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system;
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans. Member Contribution Rates. Correctional Officers I-IV qualify as "Safety Officers" and are eligible for increased PERA benefits;
• Medical and dental health plans;
• Short and long term disability coverage;
• Paid life insurance;
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave;
• Wellness program, tuition reimbursement, training opportunities and more;
• Visit State of Colorado Employee Benefits. for more information;
• This position is compensated on a bi-weekly pay cycle.

Description of Job

This position assists adult offenders classified at various security levels, to include disabled offenders, regarding the use of legal materials and the selection and preparation of legal documents; monitor the daily operations and insure the security of assigned facility law libraries to maintain a secure work environment within a penal setting; to provide alternative legal access to those offenders who do not have physical access to a law library; acts as a liaison for offenders and DOC staff; provide offenders with photocopies of legal materials; receive, log, deliver all photocopied loan material; log, prepare loan sheets, enter statistical information into computer to facilitate the production of monthly statistical reports by supervisor; monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing; provide notary services; supervise, hire and terminate offender clerks; provide appropriate services to offenders on behavioral management plans; interview and provide assistance to offenders pursuant to program policies and procedures; may be responsible for more than one facility law library. All other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide legal research assistance to offenders and staff to find proper legal authority; analyze DOC staff and offender legal problems to assist in resolving legal problems and identify frivolous issues;
• Monitor and manage offender legal access computers, including legal research programs and word processing;
• Identify, categorize and log, material submitted to be photocopied and deliver to requesting offenders to provide access to the courts; provide legal materials to offenders upon request to provide access to the courts;
• Collect, compile and enter data into computer to facilitate preparation of monthly statistical reports on offender access, photocopy usage, loan of legal materials and hours of operation by supervisor;
• Maintain and log data on supply and equipment use to assure compliance with program policies and assure accurate inventories are maintained;
• Search law libraries for contraband pursuant to state statute and facility regulations to provide a secure working environment for staff and offenders;
• Other duties/projects as assigned by supervisor.

Note: Occasional travel required to provide coverage for other CDOC Facilities throughout the state.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Paralegal certificate obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution. (Copies must be attached to your application to receive credit).

Two (2) years of work experience in a paralegal capacity which included conducting legal research, preparing drafts of legal documents and gathering and compiling data from legal references and resources will substitute for the required certificate. (This experience must be clearly described, in your own words, within the work experience section of your application to meet this requirement.)

Requires a paralegal certificate to be obtained through either an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal studies program or an accredited institution within 9 months of hiring.

A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school may substitute for the required certificate. (You must attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts with your name, college name, degree and date conferred in order to receive credit).

Ensure that the 'Work Experience' section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position. This information will be used to help determine compensation for the position. "See resume" statements cannot be accepted in lieu of the "work experience" section of the application. Additional work experience will not be accepted after the job announcement close date for compensation purposes.

Required Competencies

• Proficient legal research skills;
• Exceptional interpersonal/customer service skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Efficient and accurate analyzing of data/information skills;
• Keen ability to multi-task and demonstrate flexibility;
• Impeccable organizational, planning, and prioritizing skills;
• Precise attention to details;
• Strong initiative and self motivation;
• Effective critical thinking and decision making;
• Established proficiency in position-related office technologies especially Microsoft Office Suite;
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations;
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift;
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction;
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language;
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing;
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interpreting complex rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines;
• Advanced knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.

Eligibility and Conditions of Employment

Must be 21 years of age

Possess a valid driver’s license. Drivers must maintain a valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license, obey traffic laws, and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. State drivers are expected to maintain a safe driving record consistent with Colorado Division of Human Resources Universal Policy Driving Standards. Eligibility to drive a State-owned vehicle, includes holding a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment or residency change and meeting specific driving record criteria. Serious traffic violations, including DUIs or reckless driving, can disqualify drivers for up to seven years. All State Vehicles are monitored by telematics for safe operation and employees have no reasonable expectation of privacy while using an agency State Fleet vehicle.

Although a valid driver's license is not required for this position, transportation to and from the facility is mandatory to ensure entry through secured checkpoints. Facilities maintain continuous 24/7 security control, and authorized vehicle access is required for entry into the complex.

Possess a high school diploma or GED

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination are required to: Disclose the details of the prior termination or resignation on the application. Explain why the circumstances of the prior separation should not disqualify them from the current position. Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDOC.

Have NO felony convictions, to include any actions defined in 5 U.S.C. 301; U.S.C. 509, 510; 42 U.S.C. 15601-15609. The CDOC shall not hire nor promote anyone who may have contact with an offender who has engaged in sexual abuse which includes acts, activity, and sexual behavior, in a prison or other institution as defined in 42 U.S.C. 1997; or has been convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse, or has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described in the above paragraph. The agency shall consider any incidents of sexual harassment in determining whether to hire anyone who may have contact with offenders or residents.

Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; DOC cannot provide H-1B sponsorship at this time.

Successfully pass all modules of the six-week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics.

Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics: Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist, Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled take down, Use arms, palms of hands, shins, and feet to deliver blows, Withstand impact (slow speed or with a safety bag) on own body from strikes/blows, Swing a baton in a striking technique, Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic, Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions.

Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and will be exposed while on assignment.

Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security.

Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury.

Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently.

Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations.

Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner.

Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders.

Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments.

Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings.

Willing and able to travel.

Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule.

TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.

Work Environment and Policies

The CDOC is committed to a work environment free from illegal drugs and alcohol. Employees may use marijuana in their personal time but are prohibited from working while under the influence of any substance, including marijuana. A drug test will be administered to all new employees; employees must successfully pass. Random drug screening will occur throughout employment.

Exception: Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Health care professionals must check their licensing requirements regarding marijuana use.

All job offers are contingent upon a successful medical screening by a healthcare professional, certifying the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. Applicant must consent to hold harmless CDOC and its agents and staff from any liability arising in whole or in part from the testing and the use of this information in connection with CDOC’s consideration of application for employment.

Appeal Rights

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Employee Relations Specialist, Kristen Lange, at [e-mail] or call 719-728-0270.

ALL DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FACILITIES AND BUILDINGS ARE TOBACCO FREE.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE PROTECTED CLASSES TO APPLY.