Legal Assistant

Hendricks County Job Description

Title:   Victim’s Assistance Administrative              

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Assistant

Department:  Prosecutor                                         

Supervisor:  Victim’s Assistance Coordinator        

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Prepares legal documents, provides clerical support to the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator and assists victims of crime.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Initiates victim cases and contacts law enforcement to obtain victim information if not listed.


• Prepares protective orders for victims’ cases.


• Prepares victim notifications and notifies the jail to ensure victim notification of release of offender.


• Prepares subpoenas for victims in crimes against women.


• Prepares pleadings and files with the Clerk’s Office.


• Notifies victims of case status, continuances, plea dates, sentencing and disposition of cases.


• Notifies officers of disposition of cases when requested.


• Modifies and terminates protective orders of disposed cases and files with the Clerk’s Office.


• Prepares jury instructions on victims’ cases.


• Attends child abuse protection meetings and meeting with the Prosecutor’s Division of Family & Children meeting.


• Accompanies victims to depositions and court proceedings.


• Receives phone calls and is on-call to assist victims in crises in the absence of the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator.


• Data entry into local and state systems.


• Go to hospital, police departments and scenes as needed.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares search warrants and probable cause affidavits for law enforcement and prepares Ducus Tecums and other pleading type charges.


• Assists other legal secretaries as needed.


• Translates for victims, courts, and other county departments


• Travel to get information on victims.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED


• Basic computer skills


• Knowledge of legal documents and legal terminology


• Ability to effectively and tactfully deal with other people


• Ability to maintain confidentiality


• Ability to operate basic office equipment


• Good organizational skills


• Ability to attend additional training periodically, sometimes out-of-state


• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing


• Basic knowledge of general office practices, such as filing, record keeping, phone etiquette, etc.


• Attention to detail


• Ability to have and maintain a valid Indiana Driver’s License


• Continue with education on victim issues

RESPONSIBILITY:

Incumbent works under established guidelines and procedures.  Tasks require some selection of applicable methods and procedures, especially when dealing with victims of crime.  The position requires sensitivity to human beings in crises. Errors in work usually result in significant loss of time and inconvenience to the department, courts, the public and external agencies.  Errors can also result in lost criminal cases and severe reactions from victims.

WORKING RELATONSHIPS:

Working relationships are with supervisor, associates in same department, other county departments, law offices, law enforcement agencies and victims and witnesses of crime for the purpose of communicating factual or procedural information.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed in a standard office environment, hospital emergency rooms, schools and indoor and outdoor crime scenes.

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT:

The job description for the position of Victim’s Assistance Administrative Assistant for the Prosecutor’s Office describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position.  I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment.  I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

Is there anything that would keep you from meeting the job duties and requirements as outlined?   Yes, ______ No______

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Applicant/Employee signature                                                                       Date

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