GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides administrative and paralegal support services for the General Counsel’s Office  (“GCO”) of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

           Works under the general supervision of the General Counsel.  Receives direct supervision from attorneys in the GCO          

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

           None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for providing administrative and paralegal support services to attorneys representing the Department or its employees in judicial and administrative proceedings. 
2. Responsible for managing flow of discovery requests and responses, and creating and maintaining pleadings files. 
3. Responsible for summarizing deposition transcripts and medical records.
4. Responsible for creating accurate notes of testimony at hearings and trials and transcribing recorded hearings.   
5. Performs basic legal research using Westlaw and other sources. 
6. Maintains and organizes files; tracks pleadings, discovery, transcripts, and other case documents.
7. Performs notary services.
8. Exercises thorough substantive knowledge of office policies, procedures and operations of the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department.
9. Flexibility and ability to learn and perform new duties and skills as assigned.
10. Performs general administrative duties, including, but not limited to, filing, answering phones, answering correspondence, photocopying, and driving.  
11. Travels to and retrieves documents from court clerk’s offices and other agencies as required by attorneys.
12. Performs such other duties and assignments as the General Counsel or Sheriff may request from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
2. Ability to work accurately and independently in a fast-paced environment;
3. Well organized with very strong attention to detail;
4. Ability to meet short deadlines;
5. Experience with Windows based applications and Westlaw;
6. Ability to interact with Department employees in a pleasant but discreet manner.  Must perform duties with a high degree of confidentiality;
7. Must be a Notary Public or be willing to become one;
8. Must have a valid driver’s license;
9. Familiarity with procedural rules in Federal and State Courts / Administrative Agencies;
10. Bachelor's degree with law office experience and paralegal certificate, OR high   school graduate with paralegal certificate and extensive law office experience;
11. Thorough substantive knowledge of office procedures, practices and equipment;  and
12.  Ability to speak Spanish is not required, but is desirable.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Regular and punctual attendance at workplace and at scheduled meetings;
2. Knowledge of, compliance with, and enforcement of Department policies and procedures;
3. Understand legal procedures and follow legal protocols;
4. Communicating effectively both orally and in writing, with professionalism and courtesy;
5. Ability to transcribe and incorporate attorneys’ handwritten edits to legal memoranda and correspondence.  Ability to proofread and edit documents;
6. Exercise good judgment with consistency and impartiality; and
7. Monitor case progress and assist attorneys with case preparation.

MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. sit or stand periodically for  8.5  hours;
2. communicate orally with attorneys, outside agencies, and SCSD employees;
3. lift up to 15 pounds;
4. carry up to 15 pounds;
5. climb stairs occasionally;
6. walk short distances;
7. drive an automobile; and
8. write and type.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

            Participation in mandatory training