Public Defender - Felony/Misdemeanor Liaison Assistant

FELONY / MISDEMEANOR LIAISON ASSISTANT

Department: Public Defender’s Officer                                          FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification/Level:  Part Time                                                      Date:  09/2019

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Felony/Misdemeanor Liaison Assistant is responsible for directing courtroom logistics for every client’s court date, assists attorneys within the courtroom, and uses their technical skills to use digital programs to log and coordinate every client’s case as it undergoes the pre-trial process. In addition, the Felony/Misdemeanor Liaison Assistant is responsible for supporting all Public Defender staff.  This position is covered under the Circuit Court Employee Handbook.    

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Inputs all information required into the Informer program. Differentiates types of cases and analyzes chronological case summaries.
• Prepares no-contact orders and distributes paperwork required as condition of client’s plea agreement.
• Obtains access through PDIS, and E-file appearances to the correct attorneys before a given court date.
• Creates list from the court calendar of who will be in court the next day. Identifies custody of each person. Checks out files to attorney through Informer and obtains Discovery and proposed pleas from the Prosecutor.
• Drops off and picks up files from attorney offices; signs off and picks up discovery from the Prosecutor’s Office.
• Creates labels for new files and locates returning files. Closes all disposed files.
• Looks up defendants and records correct information to record in Informer.
• Assists clients that come into the office. Answers and questions asked and directs them accordingly.
• Prepares Circuit and Superior Court calendars.
• Inputs case received open cases.
• Pulls files and process revocations.
• Speaks with possible clients about needing a Public Defender or private counsel.
• Creates appointments and attends drug court.
• Attends video court and court hearings, as needed.
• All other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED and more than one year experience in the criminal justice system
• Paralegal training preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with professional co-workers, interns, personnel from other government or non-government agencies, attorneys, clients and members of the general public in a courteous and tactful manner

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of all department records and information
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Informer and Spillman
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
• Ability to use office equipment, such as multi-line telephone, computer, fax, copier and scanner

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Felony/Misdemeanor Liaison Assistant maintains frequent contact with other county employees, interns, personnel from other government or non-government agencies, attorneys, and members of the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Felony/Misdemeanor Liaison Assistant works in an office setting with frequent sitting and the ability to move about freely. Some lifting of up to twenty pounds, bending, pushing /pulling, reaching overhead, kneeling, and detailed inspection is required.  Very frequent typing, attention to detail and monitoring of equipment exists, and frequent proofreading is required. It is an environment where some noise is to be expected.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

None

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Executive Director

HOURS:

Monday – Friday; 25-30 hours/week