Shire Jobs

COUNTY OF BUCKS

JOB TITLE:

Administrative Assistant

JOB CODE:

0310

DEPARTMENT:

Public Defender

UNION:

00

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

GRADE:

00

REVISION DATE:

2/9/2023

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a full-time position, working Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for forty hours per week.  This individual is the liaison for the Public Defender's Office, communicating and coordinating with Public Defender staff, court personnel, District Attorney staff, and other parties within the criminal justice system; including but not limited to daily interaction with various members, departments, and offices involved in the criminal court, mental health and prison systems in Bucks County and other counties, states, and jurisdictions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work face-to-face with defendants charged with criminal activity, conducting interviews both in the Public Defender's Office and on the phone, including but not limited to investigation into the financial qualifications of potential clients.
• Accept and review applications and provided documentation to determine whether applicant qualifies for Public Defender representation via phone and in-person.
• Coordinate phone interviews for clients incarcerated in facilities other than the Bucks County Correctional Facility and/or in inpatient treatment facilities.
• Prepare files and coordinate the assignment of files.
• Prepare, coordinate, and update daily trial lists, including but not limited to determining which clients are represented by Public Defender, which clients are incarcerated, collate all required case files, assure assignment of case file with proper identifying markers,  as well as tracking of continued trial matters.
• Maintain up-to-date file statistics.
• Communicate by phone, internet and conventional mail with clients and other parties pertinent to the criminal justice system.
• Review and respond to all correspondence and communication received in any form.
• Attend court on a weekly basis for arraignment court.
• Maintain arraignment and trial lists in coordination with Court Administration, the District Attorney's Office, and the Sheriff's Office.
• Maintain files for miscellaneous courts, including but not limited to ARD.
• Fulfill receptionist duties as necessary.
• Must be extremely discreet and work independently.

• Maintain confidentiality of client.

   

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must possess excellent communication skills and have an ability to tactfully and with composure handle applicants and applicants' families who can at times be upset and difficult.
• High school education with further schooling or experience in the criminal justice system.
• Typing skills -- minimum 45 wpm. 
• Background Check
• Current driver's license

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.