Legal Office Associate III - Child Support

Frederick County Government, Maryland; Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 52.000 - 76.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Health insurance options

Vacation and sick leave with accrual

Zusammenfassung

Frederick County Government seeks a Legal Office Associate III (Child Support Division) to support attorneys in the State’s Attorney’s Office. The role requires handling complex civil and criminal case files, drafting pleadings, coordinating court schedules, and performing legal research with strong knowledge of procedures and e-filing systems.

You will work non-supervisory capacity but may train staff and provide backup coverage.

Qualifikationen

• Associate's degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in legal office administration, court office support, clerical legal support, or related experience.

Aufgaben

• Coordinate with courts, law enforcement, and agencies regarding assigned cases.
• Maintain and manage complex legal case files and court records.
• Prepare and file legal pleadings, discovery materials, motions, subpoenas, writs, and related documents.
• Manage hearing, trial, and court schedules; conduct legal research and organize case management records.
• Provide backup coverage for reception and administrative functions as needed.

Kenntnisse

Legal office administration

Court office support

Clerical legal support

Customer service

Attention to detail

Ausbildung

Associate's degree

Jobbeschreibung

JOB INFORMATION

Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; full-benefits; partial teleworking schedule may be available in accordance with Division policies.

The Legal Office Associate III (Child Support Division) performs advanced legal administrative and case management work in support of attorneys within the State’s Attorney’s Office. Responsibilities include maintaining and managing complex civil and criminal case files; preparing, drafting, and filing legal pleadings, discovery materials, motions, subpoenas, writs, court orders, and related legal documents; coordinating hearing, trial, and court schedules; conducting legal and case-related research; maintaining case management systems and electronic court records; communicating with courts, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, attorneys, witnesses, victims, defendants, and members of the public; and providing specialized support for criminal, juvenile, domestic violence, special victims, narcotics, economic crimes, child support, probation, and other assigned legal units. Work requires extensive knowledge of legal procedures, court rules, case management practices, and electronic filing systems, as well as the ability to independently manage assigned caseloads and competing deadlines. This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities but may provide training, guidance, and backup support to other staff as assigned.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Vesting after 5 years of service
• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate with the Department of Social Services, law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, probation agencies, laboratories, attorneys, employers, government agencies, and interstate partners regarding assigned cases
• Collect or review DNA specimens, coordinate genetic testing appointments, maintain chain-of-custody documentation, monitor probation compliance, and testify regarding assigned case matters when required by assignment
• Manage and coordinate court dockets and send the appropriate paperwork to all parties in the case.
• Work closely with the Department of Social Services to establish, modify and enforce child support cases
• Prepare discovery requests and all related pleadings to send to Defense Counsel for civil child support matters
• Create and initiate new criminal, juvenile, child support, domestic violence, special victims, probation, or other assigned case files in accordance with applicable laws, court rules, office procedures and division assigned
• Manage, organize, update, and maintain complex legal case files, case lists, calendars, timelines, and case management records through final disposition
• Respond to correspondence, emails, telephone calls, electronic filings, and inquiries from attorneys, courts, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, opposing counsel, parties, witnesses, and the public
• Maintain, update, and monitor case information within multiple databases, case management systems, electronic filing systems, and court records systems
• Conduct legal and case-related research utilizing Maryland statutes, case law, court rules, charging manuals, court records, transportation articles, and related legal resources
• Prepare, organize, redact, review, and distribute discovery materials, evidence, media files, witness information, and case documentation in accordance with legal requirements and court deadlines
• Issue and coordinate subpoenas, summonses, writs, notices, and related court documents for witnesses, parties, law enforcement personnel, and incarcerated individuals
• Monitor case progression, filing deadlines, court schedules, probation requirements, discovery obligations, and other legal timelines to ensure compliance with applicable laws and court rules
• Collect, verify, analyze, and organize information and documentation from multiple sources to support legal proceedings and attorney case preparation
• Provide backup coverage for reception, front desk operations, mail processing, telephone coverage, and other administrative functions as assigned
• Provide coverage for coworkers during absences
• Participating in meetings, training, system testing activities, implementation projects, and other departmental initiatives as assigned
• Provide customer service and assistance to attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, external stakeholders, and members of the public while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Any employee's position may not be assigned all functions or equipment listed above, and the examples may not cover all functions or equipment that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Associate's degree
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in legal office administration, court office support, clerical legal support, or related experience

Substitutions for the above-listed required education and experience are a Bachelor’s degree with 1 year work experience as described above or a High School diploma (or equivalent) with 5 years work experience that includes working in a legal office.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Create and initiate new criminal, juvenile, child support, domestic violence, special victims, probation, or other assigned case files in accordance with applicable laws, court rules, office procedures and division assigned
• Manage, organize, update, and maintain complex legal case files, case lists, calendars, timelines, and case management records through final disposition
• Respond to correspondence, emails, telephone calls, electronic filings, and inquiries from attorneys, courts, law enforcement agencies, government agencies, opposing counsel, parties, witnesses, and the public
• Maintain, update, and monitor case information within multiple databases, case management systems, electronic filing systems, and court records systems
• Conduct legal and case-related research utilizing Maryland statutes, case law, court rules, charging manuals, court records, transportation articles, and related legal resources
• Prepare, organize, redact, review, and distribute discovery materials, evidence, media files, witness information, and case documentation in accordance with legal requirements and court deadlines
• Issue and coordinate subpoenas, summonses, writs, notices, and related court documents for witnesses, parties, law enforcement personnel, and incarcerated individuals
• Monitor case progression, filing deadlines, court schedules, probation requirements, discovery obligations, and other legal timelines to ensure compliance with applicable laws and court rules
• Collect, verify, analyze, and organize information and documentation from multiple sources to support legal proceedings and attorney case preparation
• Provide backup coverage for reception, front desk operations, mail processing, telephone coverage, and other administrative functions as assigned
• Provide coverage for coworkers during absences
• Participating in meetings, training, system testing activities, implementation projects, and other departmental initiatives as assigned
• Provide customer service and assistance to attorneys, court personnel, law enforcement agencies, external stakeholders, and members of the public while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism
• Coordinate with the Department of Social Services, law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, probation agencies, laboratories, attorneys, employers, government agencies, and interstate partners regarding assigned cases
• Collect or review DNA specimens, coordinate genetic testing appointments, maintain chain-of-custody documentation, monitor probation compliance, and testify regarding assigned case matters when required by assignment
• Manage and coordinate court dockets and send the appropriate paperwork to all parties in the case.
• Work closely with the Department of Social Services to establish, modify and enforce child support cases
• Prepare discovery requests and all related pleadings to send to Defense Counsel for civil child support matters
• Perform other duties as assigned

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN TO

• Work experience specifically in the legal field involving family law and/or child support matters
• Secondary language skills in Spanish
• Work experience with MDEC and MDThink
• A college degree in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Legal, or a related field
• Work experience in a law office
• Completion of a Frederick County State's Attorney Office internship program

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit; and frequently perform repetitive motions
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Available for varied working hours when needed to accommodate meetings or other commitments
• This position is subject to random drug testing

EXAMINATION PROCESS (MAY INCLUDE)

• An evaluation of training and experience
• One or more interviews
• A pre-employment drug test including marijuana
• A pre-employment background investigation through the State's Attorney Office

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to [e-mail]

RETIREMENT PLAN

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

HEALTH INSURANCE

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

DENTAL INSURANCE

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

LIFE INSURANCE

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

SAVINGS PLAN - DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

LEAVE

Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 – 2 years 11 days

2 – 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

HOLIDAYS

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.