Legal Assistant / Administrative Assistant Job at Green Lake County in Green Lak

DEPARTMENT: CORPORATION COUNSEL OFFICE

LOCATION: GOVERNMENT CENTER

SUPERVISOR: CORPORATION COUNSEL

SUMMARY:

Provides administrative and reception support relevant to departments operations. Provides support services to the Corporation Counsel by performing a variety of complex administrative functions requiring knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answers telephone, directs inquiries to proper person, and serves the public in providing essential information relevant to specific department programs in Child Support and Corporation Counsel Offices.
• Processes mail; initiates correspondence as necessary, maintains daily log of client services and maintains clients records in the Corporation Counsel Office.
• Filing and scanning Child Support documents.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of the Corporation Counsels Office while ensuring confidentiality is strictly maintained.
• Performs work in the areas of; Guardianship and Protective Placements; Mental Health and Alcohol Detentions & Commitments; Child Protective Service Cases including Termination of Parental Rights; Subrogation Investigations; Medical Assistance; Administrative Appeals; Labor Negotiations, Grievances and Arbitration; Contractual Matters; Zoning Matters; Garnishments; Budget Management; Sexual Harassment/Discrimination; Unemployment Compensation; Real Estate, and other issues as they may relate to Green Lake County as a corporation, subject to the approval of the Corporation Counsel including, but not limited to the following:
• Initiate, develop, compose, draft, transcribe, and/or monitor the execution of appropriate legal documents, reports, and correspondence, while ensuring that all/any time limits are met. These include petitions, motions, orders, answers, subpoenas, jury instructions, in rem or tax deed documents, opinions, briefs, letters, memorandums, hearing notices, contracts, etc.
• Schedule court hearings, conferences, and meetings, and maintain calendar.
• Confer in person, by telephone, and/or in writing, with other professionals (judges, attorneys, medical administrators, social workers, school administrators, law enforcement, etc.) on behalf of the Corporation Counsel in a professional and confidential manner.
• Coordinate County matters/case management with department heads, County Board Supervisors, attorneys, social workers, and other county employees or parties to matters.
• Be responsible for the creation and maintenance of all case files in a precise and efficient manner. This includes managing a filing system, (both computer files and paper files), in an efficient manner.
• Maintain calendar system for contracts, lawsuits, and deadlines for filing legal documents (answers, petitions, notices, proofs of service, etc.)
• Perform administrative functions as requested by the Corporation Counsel, County Manager or as necessary for the efficient operation of the Corporation Counsel and County Managers Office.
• Perform limited research subject to the approval of the Corporation Counsel.
• Provide or obtain information for inquiries and requests from County officials, County Board Supervisors, and the public; respond by providing explanations and/or interpretations; channels the request to the appropriate person or department.
• Maintain and update all legal research resources in the Corporation Counsels Office.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Considerable ability with proficient skill in the use of a personal computer, Microsoft Office, as well as ability to learn new software applications.
• Ability to type and transcribe (approx. 60 wpm)
• Ability to maintain accurate, detailed records; establish priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions, initiate work duties and be able to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to multi-task under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to be decisive, resolve problems, prioritize and suggest improvements.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Solid knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
• Ability to retain confidential information.
• Ability to perform legal administrative, secretarial and reception duties.
• Ability to maintain a positive, helpful and courteous attitude with co-workers and the public.
• Knowledge of child support laws as they pertain to collection, court procedures, rules and regulations.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills.
• Skill in the use of general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, copy machine, calculator, typewriter, personal computer and printer, dictation machine, fax machine, shredder and automobile.
• Knowledge and use of the Wisconsin Courts Electronic Filing System (e-filing) is a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: A minimum of a high school diploma and two years of post-high school education. Education or training as legal assistant or other legal course study desirable.

EXPERIENCE / JOB KNOWLEDGE: Previous legal office experience required

OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Three to five years legal office experience preferred. Must have and maintain a valid drivers license and insured vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: About 50% of the time is spent typing or keying on the computer while sitting; approximately 20% of the time is spent talking while seated or standing; approximately 20% of the time is spent listening while seated or standing; 10% of the time is spent reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching and lifting/carrying objects up to 10 pounds. In unusual situations, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, reaching, high fingering and medium lifting (20-40 pounds), carrying and pushing may be required.

Managements assignment of essential functions is not designed to limit the manner in which duties may be accomplished. Management shall comply with all applicable workplace laws and shall communicate with any employee with a disability to determine the availability of a reasonable accommodation(s) to allow the employee to perform the essential functions of the job.

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: 95% of work is performed inside; 5% of the time may be spent doing independent investigation outside of the office

This is a public service position. Employees are required to be courteous, cooperative and respectful at all times with the public and clients. This includes establishing and maintaining courteous, cooperative and respectful working relationships with other employees, supervisors and public officials.

This position description has been prepared to assist in defining job responsibilities, physical demands, working conditions and needed skills. It is not intended as a complete list of job duties, responsibilities and/or essential functions. This description is not intended to limit or modify the rights of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under supervision. The county retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from, any section of this document as it deems, in its' judgment, to be proper.

January 2013, April 2015, September 2025