Legal Assistant 4/Public Records Supervisor - Sheriff's Office

Full Job Description

This position serves as the Public Disclosure Unit Supervisor for the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. The incumbent will be responsible for a very high volume of records requests with content that often consists of a sensitive nature, i.e. crime scene photos, body worn camera video, and reports.

Why It's a Great Department/Unit:
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is a “full-service agency” that provides law enforcement, jail, court security, and civil processing services to all areas of unincorporated Pierce County, and the contract cities of Edgewood and University Place. The Sheriff’s Office is comprised of 638 commissioned law enforcement and corrections staff and 67 civilian personnel. Together, these dedicated employees support our three bureaus, including Services, Corrections, Operations.

You will join the Public Disclosure Unit located at the Sheriff’s Office Soundview Building on 35th and Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, WA. This is not a remote or hybrid position. We encourage you to learn more about the Sheriff's Office by clicking here.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:
A career with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is your opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives every day as each employee plays a role in supporting our mission to protect life and property, uphold rights, and work in partnership to build strong, safe communities. The Public Disclosure Unit is a nine-person team who works day shifts, Monday – Friday. Employees can work a flexible schedule and receive paid holidays off.

How to be Successful in the Role:
A successful candidate will join the team with the ability to exercise good judgement, collaborate and communicate with various department and law enforcement agencies such as the Prosecutor's Office and South Sound 911. Candidates need to have legal experience, experience with responding to public records requests, and be able to read, research, and interpret legal documents, case law, etc. This is working supervisor position which requires responding to a large number of complex public records requests.

Come join the Pierce County Sheriff's Office Public Disclosure Unit!

Requirements

This is highly responsible supervisory legal support work for the Public Disclosure Unit of the Pierce County Sheriff's Office. Employees in this classification are responsible for planning and accomplishing a designated workload of legal technical tasks through subordinate employees. In addition, these employees are responsible for administrative duties which include supervisory training and office management responsibilities relative to legal support services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises and coordinates activities of support workers for the Public Disclosure Unit. Determines work schedules and determines methods of expediting workflow. Issues instructions and oversees work for exactness, neatness and conformance to procedures and policies.
• Provides legal information and advice, prepares legal papers and correspondence of legal nature specifically in the area of public records.
• Investigates grievances involving subordinates and recommends resolutions; recommends promotional and disciplinary actions; approves leave requests and overtime; schedules vacations to assume adequate coverage for maintenance of production standards.
• Prepares appraisals to evaluate performance of subordinates; establishes standards of performance for each class of positions being supervised.
• Consults with management regarding legal support needs; attends staff meetings; makes recommendations regarding budget requirements for the unit such as staffing, equipment, etc.

Click Legal Assistant 4 for a classification/job description with a more detailed list of essential functions, competencies, physical demands and working conditions/environment.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:

• Four or more years of responsible experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary or related legal staff support function, including one or more years in a supervisory/lead position.
• Training by an accredited vocational school, college or university in the field of legal support work or related area is preferred.
• Other education or experience which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute for the recruiting requirements.
• High School diploma or G.E.D. certificate is required.
• Age eighteen (18) at time of appointment.
• United States citizenship, lawful permanent resident or DACA recipient, and the ability to speak, read and write the English language as required by RCW 41.14.100.
• Ability to successfully complete Pierce County Sheriff's Office background investigation, which will include, but is not limited to:
  • Reference Checks
  • Personal Interviews
  • Oral Board Interview
  • Pre-Offer Polygraph Examination
  • Submission of Fingerprints
  • Work History Check
  • Criminal, Driving, and Financial History Checks
  • Pre-Offer Drug Screening UA

Additional Information

ASSESSMENT PROCESS for LEGAL ASSISTANT 4

• After you have submitted your application and it has been determined that you meet the requirements for the position, your answers to the supplemental questions will be scored according to established criteria.

Please describe in detail your past work experience and education in the supplemental questions. Please be specific and detailed in your answers, so that enough information is provided to be evaluated.

Incomplete information will result in a lower score or rejection of your application. You must score 70% or better to continue in the process.

• Applicants passing the written assessment will be placed on the employment register.
• Prior to appointment, a thorough background investigation will be conducted consisting of, but not limited to personal history statement, personal interviews, employment check, fingerprinting, professional and personal reference checks, criminal and credit checks, polygraph examination and a drug screen.
• Veteran's preference will be granted in accordance with RCW 41.04. If you are eligible to have veteran's scoring criteria applied to your assessment score, you must submit a copy of Copy 4 of your DD214 or separation/discharge documentation with your application.
• Candidates will be referred from the list to fill vacant positions occurring within one (1) year from the date the name is placed on the list.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email Civil Service at PCCivilService@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

ATTENTION: All communication from Pierce County Civil Service is sent by email using the email address listed on your application. This may include communication that contains confidential or private information such as exam results and reasons for removal, etc. You are responsible for keeping your email address updated.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?