Job Information
City of Savannah Paralegal - Code Compliance in Savannah, Georgia
Location:Savannah, GA Job Type:Full-Time Permanent Job Number:2401709 Department:Code Compliance Department Division:Code Compliance Administration Division Opening Date:08/14/2024 Closing Date:9/1/2024 11:59 PM Eastern
Purpose
Are you looking for a career with purpose?
If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Come and join our Code Compliance Departmentas the next Paralegal.This position provides paralegal services in research and document preparation for a department as assigned.
The City of Savannah offers a comprehensive and impressive benefits package including pension, 457 plan, vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance. Submit your application today!
Essential Job Functions
- Assists with planning, recommending, drafting, disseminating and enforcing new and changed department administrative policies and procedures.
- Coordinates special projects with other city departments or outside agencies, as assigned.
- Monitors mail distribution, flag urgent information and communicate priorities to the appropriate person.
- Conducts research and analysis of facts and applicable laws and cases, including those pertaining to issues of the most difficult or unusual nature, as instructed by attorney being supported. Confers with attorney to devise suitable methods and set defensible standards for use in unprecedented situations.
- Engages in utilization of on-line research services and other computer-based and written resources, and requests for information pursuant to applicable statutes and regulations.
- Engages in assistance with investigation of facts, statutes, regulations and case law to identify causes of action and prepare cases appropriately, the conduct of interviews, and application of other techniques to obtain pertinent information regarding legal matters.
- Engages in tracking of legislation and liaison services in area of assignment, if required.
- Directs and independently perform composing, proofing and correcting of legal correspondence and related documents, including those of the most intricate or exacting nature, for review and approval of attorney supported, and for signature of City Attorney, or designees, as required.
- Engages in preparation of initial and final drafts including, but not limited to, business letters, internal memoranda, legal opinions, appeals, pleadings, subpoenas, interrogatories, requests for production, deposition notices, ordinances, resolutions, settlement agreements, contracts, deeds and debt collection and similar instruments using a personal computer and word processing software.
- Opens and maintains case files; prepares and files all litigation documents; maintains litigation and conflict calendars; coordinates filings with City Attorney and Associate City Attorney.
- Coordinates and/or prepares claims or responses to all bankruptcies; prepares and files tax claims in bankruptcies and tax foreclosures.
- Prepares easements and deeds, orders funds paid in consideration, and records all conveyances.
- Reviews contracts and ensures proper certifications and signatures are obtained.
- Types general correspondence and forms from handwritten notes or dictation; maintains office files.
- Engages in preparation and assembly of administrative and litigation reports.
- Engages in filing of legal documents with court clerks and administrative agencies.
- Engages in ensuring legal and other textbooks, reference manuals and periodicals are up to date, cataloged, cross indexed and shelved in an orderly manner.
- Prepares payments to outside contractual attorneys for their fees and reimbursements for professional work rendered to the City.
- Prepares Savannah legal pleadings for destruction of evidence (confiscated items) and file with designated court.
- Performs other related duties as assi ned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal studies; with four (4) years of experience in administrative office management in a legal setting and excellent oral and written communications skills; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.
Work Hours: Varies
Additional Requirements Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of modern office procedures, including legal and paralegal duties and responsibilities.
- Knowledge of legal terminology and legal documents.
- Knowledge of relevant city and department policies and procedures.
- Skill in organizing work and maintaining accurate records.
- Skill in prioritizing work assignments.
- Skill in operating such office equipment as a calculator, typewriter, facsimile machine, shredder, transcription machine, and copier.
- Skill in utilizing a personal computer and various word processing and database software programs.
- Skill in interpersonal relations.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
Minimum Standards
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Administrator assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Administrator spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES: Guidelines include relevant federal and state laws, court orders, and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related administrative and secretarial duties. The number and complicated nature of guidelines to be followed contribute to the complexity of the work.
SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to provide administrative and secretarial support to the department. Successful performance helps ensure the effective prov