Paralegal – Child Welfare & Civil Division

$25.99 - $29.42

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JOB SUMMARYProvides 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 to draft routine pleadings, answer phone and process court run as needed.

General Responsibilities

• Prioritize workload and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism in all work. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Completion of a paralegal certification program. 

• Two (2) to three (3) years of legal experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Licenses & Certifications:

• Certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program (required or preferred). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of legal terminology, court procedures, and document formatting. 

• Proficiency in legal research tools and case management systems. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills. 

• Ability to draft complex legal documents independently. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management software. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 25 pounds. 

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment. 

COMPENSATION CONSIDERATIONS

Compensation may be based on:

• Seniority 

• Merit and performance 

• Relevant education, training, and experience

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

• A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment.

• A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

• Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

• Another factor related to job performance or business operations, such as paying a shift differential to workers on less popular shifts

• Travel, if the travel is a regular and necessary condition of the work performed

This position is eligible for the following Mesa County benefits:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Retirement

• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

• Life insurance

• Long term disability

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Agency

Mesa County

Address

544 Rood Ave

Grand Junction, CO 81501

Phone

970- 244 - 1856

Website

http://www.mesacounty.us