Paralegal Specialist 1 (PCN 021373) - State of Alaska

What you will be doing:
The position coordinates the Agency’s Holistic Defense activities for the Bethel office, working directly with clients to help them access services to improve case outcomes and directing the social service navigation work of an AmeriCorps member(s) volunteering in the office. The holistic defense approach seeks to address the non-legal barriers clients face that impact effective integration into communities. The position works closely with our holistic partners at the Alaska Legal Service Corporation.    

Our organization, mission, and culture:
The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel in many types of cases and the Public Defender Agency is appointed by the Court to represent people who are unable to afford counsel on their own. Paralegals and Paralegal Specialists are an integral part of providing that representation and protecting our clients' rights. They work closely with attorneys and other Agency staff to provide high-level assistance on litigation preparation, and work closely with clients to improve case outcomes. This position is essential to the success of the division by providing advanced administrative and legal support.

The benefits of joining our team:
Support staff at the Public Defender Agency have the opportunity to learn about the legal system and hone their administrative skills to further their career development in the legal field.  Most importantly, they get to do this while working as a team to provide meaningful contributions to Alaska, as the work we do impacts people’s lives and protects the constitutional rights of all Alaskans.  This important work helps improve case outcomes for individuals charged with crimes, helps re-unify families, and provides the foundation for successful re-entry into communities. Many paralegals and paralegal specialists use the skills and experience they gain to transition to investigative and administrative management positions within the Agency, the State of Alaska, or the private sector.
 
Your first 12 months in the Agency are probationary and considered a training period, with formal and on-the-job training with your supervisor and your colleagues.

The working environment you can expect:
The office is located in Bethel, Alaska. The hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM with an hour lunch at noon.  The position works with Agency attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and law office assistants.

Who we are looking for:
To be successful in the position, the ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities and experience:

• Technological Competency: Competency with standard office equipment is expected and computer literacy and fluency with Microsoft Office is essential to handling the large volume of digital documents and evidence in cases and utilizing the digital case management system.
• Effective Communicator: Clear and professional oral and written communication is essential to anyone working in the legal field.
• Ability to Maintain Confidentiality: Strict confidentiality is required due to the nature of the work performed.
• Independent Worker: Taking initiative, exercising sound judgment, and following directions is critical in our offices.

Special Note:

• Valid Alaska Driver's License desired.

• The Public Defender Agency's user authorization with the Department of Public Safety for allowing some employees’ access to the Alaska Public Safety Information Network (APSIN) requires that this position is able to pass a criminal background investigation per 13 AAC 68.215.

If this sounds like your skill set, or one you would like to develop, please submit an application through Workplace Alaska.