Paralegal HarrisonburgRockingham County

Title: Paralegal - Harrisonburg/Rockingham County

State Role Title:Investig and Legal Support I

Hiring Range: $53687.00 State Benefits

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location:HARRISONBURG 330

Agency Website:

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Defenders- Indigent Defense Commission is seeking to fill the Paralegal position with a candidate who will serve our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous compassionate high-quality legal advocacy.

The IDCs Harrisonburg Public Defenders Office has an opening for a Paralegal who is committed to advocating on behalf of indigent clients and who is committed to our mission of protecting and defending the rights and dignity of our clients through zealous compassionate high-quality legal advocacy. The Paralegal will provide support for attorneys investigators and mitigation specialists in the Public Defenders Office. The paralegal reports to the Chief Public Defender of the Harrisonburg office and is employed at-will.

If you are interested in applying and joining our mission please complete an application. If you have specific questions related to applying please contact us at

Duties:
Build and maintain a database of community and criminal justice system resources to access on behalf of clients.
Assist attorneys in preparing bond motions and re-entry plans on behalf of incarcerated clients.
Develop systems and mechanisms to effectively connect clients to services and assist with mitigation.
Communicate with clients and witnesses under tight deadlines but consistently in a client-centered way.
Legal research and drafting including drafting legal memos for attorneys.
Creatively work to connect clients to a variety of local and regional resources as dictated by the needs of the client.
Assist the Chief and Deputy Public Defender in identifying gaps in the local support network for court-involved indigent persons and provide support in the Public Defenders effort to drive forward local systemic change to serve the needs of our clients.
Other duties as assigned.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities cultures backgrounds and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent is required.
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated ability to organize and analyze complex information.
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent proofreading skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage a large caseload in various stages of the administrative/legal process.
Ability to perform legal research.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Ability to demonstrate initiative in meeting deadlines and goals.
The ability to learn and accept constructive criticism is important as well as the ability to respond quickly and effectively in addressing issues and questions.
Teamwork is highly valued in this office and the qualified applicant will have demonstrated proficiency in working with others as a member of a criminal defense team to achieve successful outcomes for clients.
This office is committed to a core set of values in how we approach our team environment as well as our client representation: respect teamwork and trust zealous trial lawyering courage and passion.
The qualified applicant will demonstrate a commitment to these values.
A valid drivers license and the means to travel to all courts and regional jails are required.

Additional Considerations

Either a four-year degree or paralegal certification from an ABA-accredited program or paralegal experience including conducting legal research or a degree in Master of Social Work from an accredited program Social Work from an accredited program will be considered.
Familiarity with service providers in and around Harrisonburg/Rockingham County including service providers for substance abuse treatment mental health treatment medical treatment homelessness ID/DD and other social services or a strong desire and motivation to develop that familiarity.
Knowledge of social services practices and procedures as well as the laws regulations and guidelines governing social services functions in Harrisonburg/Rockingham County or a strong desire and motivation to develop that knowledge.
Strong communication skills and a well-developed ability to assess client needs in a variety of areas including treatment housing employment transportation medical services and other areas of social need.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to Your Application in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password) applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed emailed faxed or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept see resume as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested during the application and/or interview process.

This position qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) depending on your type of loan.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone:

Email:

In support of the Commonwealths commitment to inclusion we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation if applicable to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at .

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1 2022- February 29 2024 can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.