Paralegal - Child Welfare & Civil Division

Benefits

Additional Information

$25.99 - $29.42 _____________________________________________________________ JOB SUMMARY Provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to attorneys across multiple caseloads, including Child Welfare (Dependency & Neglect) and Civil Division matters. Prepares legal documents, manages case files, conducts legal research, coordinates hearings, and ensures compliance with court procedures and statutory requirements. Works under the direction of attorneys and supervisory staff to manage case progression from initiation through resolution while maintaining accurate records and meeting critical deadlines. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.) Case Management & Legal Support Manage assigned caseloads (Dependency & Neglect, Civil, Mental Health, Guardianships and administrative matters) from intake through resolution. Ensure proper filing of legal documents with courts and agencies, including e-filing systems (ICCES, PACER). Track case activity, maintain deadlines, and ensure compliance with statutory timeframes. Ensure proper service of process or publication is completed in accordance with legal requirements. Maintain accurate case status records and communicate updates to attorneys and stakeholders. Document Preparation & Drafting Draft, review, and proofread routine to complex legal documents, including: Motions, petitions, pleadings, affidavits, subpoenas, and correspondence Discovery requests and responses Jury instructions and trial materials ICWA notices and Child Welfare-related documents Civil Division pleadings, Rule 11 filings, and administrative hearing documents Prepare trial notebooks, exhibits, and supporting documentation to assist attorney. Ensure documents comply with legal formatting, citation, and procedural standards. Redact confidential information as required. Legal Research Conduct legal research using online tools and databases. (Westlaw, CoCounsel) Locate statutes, case law, and regulatory information to support case preparation. Verify legal authority and citations used in pleadings. Scheduling & Coordination Coordinate and schedule hearings, depositions, and meetings with courts and involved parties. Maintain attorney calendars and communicate scheduling updates. Coordinate conference calls and multi-party proceedings. File & Records Management Organize, create, maintain, and archive legal files (physical and electronic). Utilize case management systems and databases (e.g., Access High Q). Maintain standardized file naming and document tracking systems. Scan, index, and manage documents for easy retrieval. Specialized Duties Assist with: CORA requests and document production-gathering information and preparing responses for all requests. Board of Assessment Appeals matters-drafting Rule 11 pleadings and gather information form Appraiser with Assessor's Office. Also, may be requested to draft motions to attend by video and other motions/responses Executive Session scripts Subpoena Duces Tecum review and response-Ensure that all responsibilities concerning the case status of the mental health caseload are completed from initial contact through hearing. Ensure the proper filing of documents with the courts; utilize standard naming system for all computer documents in order to allow easy retrieval by other staff members; file paperwork in appropriate folders. Organize, create and maintain legal files and filing system. Communicate with attorneys and other parties to proceeding regarding status of cases and procedures of the court via telephone, written correspondence, and personal contact Juvenile Delinquency cases- as directed by attorney assist with filings and ensure they are done in timely fashion. Work closely with all departments in the county Evaluate evidence and assist attorneys in determining its use in proceedings. Administrative Support Prepare correspondence, reports, and other administrative documents. Handle incoming and outgoing mail, including certified mail and court filings. Maintain tickler systems for deadlines and case tracking. Answer phones, greet the public, and provide professional customer service. Assist with travel arrangements, accounts payable, and general office operations as needed. Communication & Collaboration Maintain regular communication with attorneys, supervisor, and staff regarding case progress. Interact professionally with court personnel, agencies, and the public. Provide backup support for other paralegals, legal assistants, or administrative staff as needed. Be present in the office, or at specific other locations as required by the schedule, during normal working hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to provide support to County staff as required and as assigned. May fill in for other paralegals and legal assistant positions