Department Information
Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) maintains a reputation as one of the top organizations in the nation specializing in the delivery of indigent criminal defense. We operate as an independent agency within the Judicial Branch of Colorado State Government with about 1,000 dedicated employees assigned to twenty-one Regional Trial Offices, a centralized Appellate Division, and a centralized Administrative Office. The mission of OSPD is to defend and protect the rights, liberties and dignity of those accused of crimes who cannot afford to retain counsel. We do so by providing constitutionally and statutorily mandated representation that is effective, zealous, inspired and compassionate.
We seek to hire professionals who are dedicated to furthering our mission and demonstrate compassion in their service to our clients. We are a fast paced, team-oriented environment, where self-motivation and a personal commitment to high performance are important attributes for success.
Description of Job
How to Apply
Please e-mail your résumé and cover letter outlining your interest in this position and how you meet the qualifications to Tadeh Der-Barseghian, Office Manager at Tadeh.Der-Barseghian@coloradodefenders.us by Friday, May 17, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (Mountain Time).
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot personally respond to each submission. We will notify you by phone and/or e-mail if you are selected for an interview.
Position Purpose and Objectives/Definition of Work
We are recruiting to fill an Administrative Assistant position Colorado State Public Defender’s regional trial office located in Denver. This is a full-time, entry-level Administrative Assistant position responsible for performing routine clerical and receptionist duties of a legal nature following established office procedures. Tasks are performed under direct guidance of an Office Manager or Supervisor while learning office and court procedures and case file management systems. Individuals must have strong interpersonal skills in order to successfully work with colleagues and court staff and to provide patient and compassionate service to indigent persons charged with criminal offenses. The work environment is fast-paced and has a high volume of telephone calls, client interactions and various interruptions. Individuals require the ability to multitask and perform tasks in a timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs general reception duties including answering phones with multiple lines. Screens calls, takes messages and refers callers to the appropriate person, office or agency.
- Greets and assists onsite visitors such as, clients, coworkers, and other agency personnel. Provides general information such as, name of appointed attorney and scheduled court dates. Maintains the reception area.
- Checks the main voice mail and email inbox for the office frequently during scheduled work hours. Responds to, or forwards voice and emails to appropriate person, office or agency.
- Assists persons applying for representation by a public defender. This includes explaining the application process and ensuring the person is able to submit completed documents.
- Reviews applications and verifies for completeness in accordance with eligibility guidelines. Processes applications in accordance with State and Regional Office policies.
- Opens, enters data and updates, and may close client files in the online case management system. Moves hardcopy files to/from the closed file room in accordance with policy and procedure.
- Uses court or local jurisdiction internet sites to search client case information.
- Processes incoming and outgoing mail and performs routine clerical tasks such as, copying, printing, sorting, and distributing forms and documents.
- Makes weekly courthouse runs to pick-up digital and hardcopy discovery files when e-filing is not available.
- Uploads large volumes of electronic documents, files and media into the online case management database. Scans and uploads hardcopy documents.
- Attends meetings and trainings as required.
- Performs other administrative duties as assigned.
Position page(s) related to this position:
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
QUALIFICATIONS: (Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.)
Education and Experience:
- Graduation from high school or equivalent required. No prior experience required.
- Knowledge of English language, grammar, and punctuation.
- Knowledge of basic math (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
- Knowledge of standard software applications such as, Microsoft Office Word, Excel, internet browsers and e-mail.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Client/customer service experience in a fast-paced environment;
- Basic clerical and administrative skills such as, data entry, uploading electronic files, managing files/records, and answering phones;
- Training or experience that provided a knowledge of court systems and legal terminology;
- Experience working in an environment serving indigent populations;
- Spanish-speaking skills.
Benefits of Working for the OSPD
- 6 Health Plans- Kaiser and Cigna options
- Basic Vision Insurance – included with medical plans
- Dental Insurance
- State Paid Life Insurance
- State Paid Short-Term Disability
- FSA – Healthcare and Dependent Care
- HSA Plan with Employer Contribution
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 11 paid holidays
- Access to Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
- Colorado PERA
- 401(k) and 457 Supplemental Retirement Plans
For more information on benefits please visit https://dhr.colorado.gov/state-employees/state-of-colorado-employee-benefits. For additional information on PERA visit www.copera.org.
Additional information about the Office of the Colorado State Public Defender can be found on the rest of our website.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Office of the Colorado State Public Defender provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, marital status, or other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Consistent with this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including the application and selection process.
If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact Katey Tarkington at Katey.Tarkington@coloradodefenders.us