This position provides a variety of secretarial support to the civil and the criminal division of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

This position requires applicants to pass a test – NCRC Work Keys – no later than 2/9/2023 .

• Clerical Exam:

Applicant must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three (3) ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Test (NCRC) or current employees of Cowlitz County must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Exam.

Cowlitz County has partnered with Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA, to facilitate the testing process. Test scores are good for 5 years.

Test Cost is $78.50.

LCC Testing is available 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and closed on LCC observed holidays.

Testing is available by appointment only.

Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes.

To schedule testing, individuals can register at : www.registerblast.com/lowercolumbia or call the Testing Center directly at 360-442-2353

Benefits Information:

Cowlitz County offers a generous benefits package which includes:

• Medical/Dental/Vision (includes dependent coverage)
• VEBA/Health Retirement Account for those who qualify
• Retirement through Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
• Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation plans available (457b)
• Vacation, Bonus and Leave Days Paid
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Reasonable work hours

The County

Cowlitz County is a great place to live and work. Located along the Columbia River less than an hour from the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Cowlitz County provides an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and easy access to the Arts. The I-5 corridor runs right through Cowlitz County providing quick access to the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon metropolitan areas.

• Prepare daily and weekly civil dockets and trial calendars in collaboration with the Clerk’s Office and Civil DPA’s.
• Review Agenda Quick items and forward to appropriate Civil DPA.
• Prepare civil documents and perform tasks as assigned by the Civil DPA’s.
• Prepare legal documents and pleadings to include appeals cases and related paperwork, firearms restoration petitions, Blake motions, LFO motions, vacate conviction motions, sex offender registration relief motions, and all public records requests.
• Set up new case files in electronic case management system for appeals.
• Maintain timely and accurate files and records.
• Perform extensive and regular data entry for all cases including trail settings, hearings, reviews and notes.
• Obtain ACCESS certification to generate criminal history and NCIC records checks.
• Perform a wide range of other clerical duties to support the operations and administration of cases and the department’s functions including copying, faxing, assisting in preparing reports or special projects, and setting up appointments.
• Extensive customer service activities related to cases and the office is essential.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings. Contribute ideas to enhance/improve the department and secretarial activities.
• Attend and participate in employer-sponsored training and seminars. The ongoing pursuit to upgrade skills and stay up-to-date with applicable legal changes. Share/communicate information/knowledge that will benefit the department.
• Reception and other duties as necessary.
• Work well with the legal team and assist with any duties as they arise.
• Abide by all county and office policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in legal secretary or related field and one (1) year experience as a legal specialist or closely related field. Or, high school diploma with a combination of legal field education and extensive demonstrable experience as a legal specialist or related field that would ensure the effective performance of the duties of this position.
• Ability to learn, understand and utilize the law and standard legal terminology, applicable laws, rules and procedures.
• Must have passed the Cowlitz County Clerical Examination. Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Experience with personal computer applications including word processing, database and spreadsheets. Experience with MS Word required, MS Excel preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Interpersonal and customer service skills to attend and deal courteously with the public, county employees and other agencies.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with office staff, other county employees, the public and other agencies. Maintain a positive attitude and relationship with coworkers and the public while dealing with sensitive issues and short deadlines.
• Effectively work in a cooperative and team atmosphere, time sensitive and task driven environment and work under strict and sometimes short date and timeline requirements.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing in a professional business-like manner. Maintain a professional appearance.
• Exercise loyalty to the department. Exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to cases and department’s business.
• Effectively handle the exposure to difficult and unpleasant matters when dealing with cases and evidence.
• Work well in a collaborative, as well as individual, work environment. Foresee needs and be pro-active in addressing them.
• Skilled in time and task management in order to multi-task and work with frequent interruptions and while meeting date and timelines and maintaining attention to detail is essential.

Cowlitz County offers a competitive benefits package for Full-Time employees, including:

• Health Insurance: Variety of Medical, dental, life, vision, and prescription insurance for employee and family. Employees who are covered under another person's medical plan have the option of an HRA (Health Retirement Account) in lieu of medical insurance. HSA and FSA plans are also available, depending on eligibility.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: All full-time employees must participate in a Washington State Retirement Services plan, and may participate in a Deferred Compensation Plan, if desired.
• Employee Assistance Program employees and family members for help with personal or family issues.
• Group Life Insurance: Basic life and Accident insurance is provided to employee, with additional insurance available to purchase.