Salary: $19,602.36 AnnuallyLocation : Galveston, TXJob Type: Part-TimeJob Number: 00929Department: 306th Judicial District CourtDivision: 306th District CourtOpening Date: 12/03/2024Description This position will provide information to self-represented litigants in family law matters. THE FRIEND OF THE COURT WILL NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE TO THE SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANTS AND SUCH LITIGANTS WILL BE GIVEN SUCH NOTICE IN WRITING. Job Responsibilities
- Provide self-represented litigants information about documents and forms necessary to successfully finalize an uncontested divorce, name change and other uncontested family law matters related to the conservatorship, custody and support of minor children
- Coordinate scheduling sessions with self-represented litigants
- Review completed documents prepared by self-represented litigants
- Provide notice to the Court when all necessary documents are completed
- Report regularly for work and be on time.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the courts.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience in family law
- Knowledge of the process of finalizing an uncontested family matter in the court system
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in family law as a legal assistant or paralegal
- Ability to work with minimal supervision from the courts
- Must be proficient with computer programs (MS Office required, Odyssey strongly preferred)
- Skill in dealing with the public
- Skill in oral and written communication
- Must pass Criminal Background check
SOFT SKILLS 1. Judgment/Decision Making Demonstrates consistent logic, rationality, and objectivity in decision-making. Achieves balance between quick decisiveness and slower, more thorough approaches, i.e., is neither indecisive nor a hip-shooter. Shows common sense. Anticipates consequences of decisions. 2. Communication - Oral Communicates effectively one to one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts. Demonstrates fluency, quickness on one's feet, clarify organization of thought processes, and command of the language. Easily articulates vision and standards. Keeps people informed. 3. Organization/Planning Friend of the Court Page 2 Plans, organizes, schedules, and budgets in an efficient, productive manner. Focuses on key priorities. Effectively juggles multiple projects. Anticipates reasonable contingencies. Pays appropriate attention to detail. Manages personal time well. 4. Business Literacy Understands and absorbs new information. Stays current with developments in our field. Expects others to stay current with developments in the field. Frequently shares new knowledge with others. Integrates new information to enhance existing models or create new ones. Helps others translate new information into practical application in our area. 5. Customer Focus Regularly monitors customer satisfaction. Meets internal and external customer needs in ways that provide satisfaction and excellent results for the customer. Establishes partner relationships with customers. Regarded as visible and accessible by customers. 6. Integrity Ironclad. Does not cut corners, ethically. Remains consistent in terms of what one says and does and in terms of behavior toward others. Earns trust of coworkers. Maintains confidences. Puts organization's interests above self. Does what is right, not what is politically expedient. Fights fair. Intellectually honest; does not play games with facts to win a point. 7. Initiative Seeks out and seizes opportunities, goes beyond the call of duty, finds ways to surmount barriers. Resourceful Action-oriented doer, achieving results despite lack of resources. Restimulates languishing projects. Shows bias for action ( do it now ). 8. Collaboration/Teamwork Cooperates with staff at all levels of the organization. Willingly reaches out to staff, volunteers and customers to proactively share information, knowledge, expertise, and time with others to achieve common goals. Works to overcome geographic, departmental, and/or Affiliate boundaries and establishes cohesive, effective relationships with peers. Enthusiastically supports the common goals and mission of the organization. Shares credit. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work is typically performed sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects. The work is typically performed in an office. Emergency Preparedness Tier Level: 4This position does not offer benefits at this time as it is an unpaid position.