Senior Legal Processor
: Job Details :

Salary : $63,135.38 - $76,743.40 AnnuallyLocation : Santa Rosa, CAJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 24/09-0050-OCDepartment: Human Services Department (HSD)Opening Date: 09/04/2024Closing Date: ContinuousBargaining Unit: 01Position InformationGrow your career while helping make a difference in the lives of our community. Join the Human Services Department's Family, Youth, and Children Division as a Senior Legal Processor!Salary starting at $30.25/hour* ($63,135/year) plus a competitive total compensation package!The Family, Youth, and Children Division Senior Legal Processor will perform highly specialized work related to the processing, filing, and distribution of a variety of legal documents (including court reports, court orders, and petitions) to courts, attorneys, and other parties. They will provide status updates regarding legal documents to department personnel, courts, and attorneys, as well as manage and maintain department case files and notice parties for upcoming hearings. This Senior Legal Processor will be tasked with managing multiple competing and fast-moving priorities while also adhering to strict deadlines. They will coordinate work with others in the legal system and answer a variety of questions regarding department services and operations. Additional responsibilities include:Utilizing independent judgment to select and apply specific laws, ordinances, regulations, procedures, and time limitations to various work situationsFormatting detailed forms and documents for courtDistributing time sensitive documents and forms to all parties involved in a caseImporting documents and entering data into a central databaseNoticing parties for hearings (including complicated adoption hearings)Answering questions regarding the work coming to/through the unitThe ideal candidate will possess many of the following:The ability to deal with sensitive materials and subject matter, including images of children who have been abused, neglected, or abandonedFlexibility, patience, and the ability to provide a high level of customer serviceThe ability to engage others in working together towards a common goalStrong communication skills with the ability to build relationships and interact with a diverse customer baseThe ability to work independently as well as part of a teamExperience using Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, Google Sheets, and TeamsAbout the Family, Youth, and Children (FYC) DivisionFYC staff members help individuals, families, and the community to ensure the safety and well-being of Sonoma County children and teens. Professionals investigate reports of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and, when needed, provide compassionate care placement with foster parents or group homes. At-risk children and their families are supported through referrals to social services, helping client homes to be safe, stable, nurturing places. Staff respond to reports of abuse and neglect, day or night, through the 24-hour hotline. FYC staff members also provide community training about child abuse prevention and mandated reporting. Employees in FYC will hear, see, and read about real life situations where children have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Exposure to this subject matter on a daily basis can be emotionally difficult. We urge anyone interviewing for a job here to think carefully about this issue. For more information about FYC, please visit . About the Human Services Department (HSD) HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community. As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, our mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing high-quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the diversity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the department. The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit .What We OfferWorking at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignmentSalary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary rangePaid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per yearCounty Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan optionsStaff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunitiesPost-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefitsRetirement - A pension fully integrated with Social SecurityPaid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employmentStudent Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our. This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Senior Legal Processor position in the Human Services Department.This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience: Any combination of education and work experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally, two years of work experience in a law office, law enforcement office, or court environment processing legal documents would provide this opportunity.License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.Special Skill Requirement: The ability to type at a corrected speed of 45 words per minute may be required for some assignments.Background Requirements: Applicants for some assignments must successfully complete a thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesConsiderable knowledge of: the purpose and processing of a diversity of court, law enforcement, and legal documents, forms, and records; the operations, procedures and jurisdictions of the court or department of assignment; the record and computer systems of the Courts and the department of assignment; basic arithmetic, English grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and composition; the technical resource materials and information sources applicable to the area of assignment; court related statutes, laws, ordinances and procedures and their applicability to the department of assignment.Some knowledge of: effective supervision; techniques and methods of training employees in work procedures.Ability to: prepare and process a variety of complex legal documents; maintain complex legal records, assemble materials and prepare reports; locate, identify and correct technical inaccuracies; work independently in performing assignment and in resolving problems and deviations; assist in the planning and coordination of the work in the assigned unit; understand, interpret, explain, and apply specific statues, codes, laws, regulations, and procedures train employees; use independent initiative and discretion in organizing work and carrying out instructions within a structured environment; establish and maintain cooperative and harmonious relationships with judges, attorneys, litigants, other employees, and the general public; independently research and prepare correspondence in answer to inquiries about department records, programs, services, procedures, and regulations; make accurate arithmetic calculations; operate a variety of office equipment. Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.Please visit to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.Responses to supplemental questions will be used in assessing minimum qualifications. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, See Resume or See Application may be considered insufficient.The selection procedure will consist of the following examination: An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%).Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants. Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position. HOW TO APPLY Applications are accepted online at. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-###-####), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need. HR Analyst: EPHR Tech: EV IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) ###-####. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) ###-####.*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.01 How did you first learn about this opportunity? Careers in Government College or University County of Sonoma Human Resources Office Craigslist DiversityJobs Employee of Sonoma County Facebook Glassdoor GovernmentJobs.com Handshake Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County Indeed Instagram Job Fair La Voz Latino Service Providers LinkedIn Los Cien Press Democrat sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org Start Here! X (Twitter) Veterans Services Office Women's Organization or Group Other Internet Site Other Publication 02 Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply. I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions I am only interested in full-time positions 03 This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency. Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position 04 For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.Please describe your two or more years of experience working in a law office, law enforcement office, or court environment processing legal documents. Include the following information about the position(s) where you gained this experience:Job titleName of employerDates employed (mm/yy to mm/yy)A description of your primary responsibilities 05 Please describe an example of a complex legal processing assignment you were responsible for addressing. Highlight the specific legal mandates and procedures you followed, the actions you took, and the outcome. 06 Please describe your experience handling multiple assignments and meeting deadlines while working in a fast-paced environment. Specify the tools and/or techniques you used to manage your workload and how you applied them. 07 Please describe your experience working in a customer service role that involved:Interpreting and providing detailed informationExplaining policies and/or proceduresProviding assistance with completing legal documents and forms Required Question