Position involves attention to detail, a thorough understanding of legal research, and may include special assignments involving independent research. The employee in this class must be sufficiently familiar with such processes and procedures to be able to complete legal forms and follow legal procedures independently. Work involves extensive contact with the Judge, employees, attorneys, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performing a variety of routine administrative and paralegal duties under the supervision of the Judge and working closely with the Chief Clerk.
• Drafting notices, letters, oaths, orders, and other required filings for probate cases.
• Attend court hearings.
• Serving as fiduciary compliance clerk and reviewing all reports and returns and checking for accuracy. Monitors reports for timeliness and service on the proper individuals.
• Assisting with vital records processing.
• Preparing and proofreading a variety of correspondence, legal forms, and documents.
• Maintaining knowledge of new laws and wording on legal documents.
• Responding to telephone calls internally and from the public and/or attorneys concerning cases, issues, forms and procedures.
• Sending out notices.
• Performing oaths as required.
• Reviewing weapon’s carry license applications and making a preliminary determination of if the application should be approved or denied.
• Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED, supplemented by college-level or vocational course work in a related field
• Five years professional, legal, or paralegal related work experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Knowledge or experience in probate matters preferred.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Paralegal degree or certificate required

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License (Class C) and a satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of all probate matters or the ability to learn quickly with some supervision and independently, including wills and estates petitions, guardianship and conservatorship petitions, marriage licensing, weapons carry licensing, order to apprehend applications, and other miscellaneous probate duties.
• Must be proficient in the use of legal research software. i.e. Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis, Fastcase, etc.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn county and department operations, ordinances, policies, procedures, terminology, and materials as they relate to assignment
• Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable state, federal, state, and local codes and ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations as they relate to assignment
• Knowledge of business English, spelling, and grammar and legal terminology
• Knowledge of court systems, rules, practices, and procedures; legal terminology, documents, regulations, and state laws related to assigned court/legal office
• Knowledge of modern court/legal office practices, methods, and equipment
• Skill in creating, maintaining, and organizing accurate, detailed, and complete records in accordance with standard record-keeping and filing procedures
• Skill in performing tasks which require attention to detail, and completing assigned jobs efficiently and correctly
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and organizing work; ability to handle multiple work assignments and deadlines efficiently, accurately, and professionally
• Skill in transcribing tapes if required by assignment
• Skill in the use of personal computers, MS Office Suite, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing; typing and entering data into a computer system accurately and efficiently
• Ability to apply common sense to understand, follow, and complete verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate and interact clearly and effectively with all those contacted in the course of work in a professional and courteous manner, both orally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective, professional, and cordial working relationships
• Ability to handle confidential information professionally and to exercise discretion in performing assigned job duties; inability to maintain confidentiality will be grounds for dismissal
• Ability to make sound, independent decisions within policy guidelines by exercising good judgment and intelligent situation-assessment
• Ability to read and comprehend a variety of legal documents, memos, instructions, correspondence, policies, et cetera
• Ability to create clear and concise reports, records, correspondence, reports, policies; ability to prepare standard legal documents such as affidavits and subpoenas
• Ability to remain composed, professional, and pleasant in a stressful, fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Ability to resolve routine and non-routine problems and complaints by applying or adapting established policies and procedures
• Ability to work in a team setting
• Ability to work independently in the absence of specific instructions or direct supervision

Salary: $50,000.00 annually, plus full benefits package 

Resumes must be attached to all notifications of interest and applications to be considered.

Employment Opportunities (Section 13-50)

“The recruitment, selection, appointment and promotion of employees shall be in such a manner as to promote equal employment for all persons without regard to race, age, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, national origin, physical handicap or political affiliation or sexual preference.”